RI Man Admits to Possessing, Distributing Child Pornography After Being Arrested Twice
GoLocalProv News Team
RI Man Admits to Possessing, Distributing Child Pornography After Being Arrested Twice
About Case
According to court documents and information presented to the court, in November 2018, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents developed information that an IP address in Rhode Island was being used to post child pornography on an Internet messaging and networking application.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTOn November 20, 2018, HSI agents discovered at least 19 videos depicting child pornography posted by the same user at the Pascoag residence, later identified as Jacob S. Munroe, 23.
On June 5, 2019, while executing a court-authorized search of Munroe’s residence, images and videos depicting child pornography were observed on Munroe’s cell phone. Munroe was arrested and released on unsecured bond.
In an unrelated investigation, on November 4, 2020, while awaiting trial on charges related to his November 2018 arrest, Munroe was arrested by Rhode Island State Police when it was determined that on August 24, 2020, he downloaded images depicting child pornography.
Plea -- and Penalties
Appearing today before U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., Munroe pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography and two counts of possession of child pornography. He is scheduled to be sentenced on February 22, 2022.
Distribution of child pornography is punishable by a statutory penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison, with a minimum mandatory term of incarceration of 5 years. Possession of child pornography is punishable by a term of incarceration of up to 20 years.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Terrence P Donnelly.