Former Cheerleading Instructor Charged With Trying To Film Child In Bathroom: Feds

NORTH SMITHFIELD, RI — A former instructor and participant at various gymnastics, dance and cheerleading facilities in Rhode Island and Massachusetts was charged with attempting to film a child in a bathroom, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Joseph Mello, 38, was arrested Monday following a probe conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and the Lincoln Police Department, the U.S. Attorney's Office said in a media release.

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"Mello, who was previously an instructor and participant at various gymnastics, dance, and cheerleading facilities in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts, was charged in a federal criminal complaint with attempted production of child pornography, receipt of child pornography, possession of and access with intent to view child pornography, and production of obscene visual representations of the sexual abuse of children," the release said.

Mello, a resident of North Smithfield, "is alleged to have attempted to create child sexual abuse material by filming a child in a bathroom/changing area, while that child was undressing at a dance studio at which the child and Mello
took classes," according to the release.

"The complaint further alleges that Mello photographed children at the various facilities at which he worked and where he participated and used the photographs of these children, with Al image- and video-generation technologies, to create realistic images and videos depicting these children engaging in sexually explicit conduct, including sex acts with Mello," the release said.

"Investigators also allege that Mello possessed child sexual abuse material involving children abused by others," according to the release.

"This case is a disturbing reminder that rapidly evolving technology can be weaponized to exploit children," First Assistant United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda said in the release.

"As alleged, (Mello) used artificial intelligence and other digital tools to create sexually explicit depictions of real children. While the technology may be new, the harm is
not," Calenda said . "Behind every image is a
child victim whose safety, privacy, and dignity have been violated."

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