Pawtucket Man Pleads Guilty To Federal Child Porn Charges: USAO

PROVIDENCE, RI — A Pawtucket man pleaded guilty to federal child pornography charges, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.

Gary Ethier, 60, pleaded guilty Monday to distribution and possession of child pornography, according to a media release from the U.S. Attorney's Office.

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The Homeland Security Investigations Cyber Crimes Center received a tip in November 2024 that "Ethier was discussing the sexual exploitation of minor children with another individual online and sent the individual multiple images of child pornography," the release said.

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Then in December 2024, agents with Homeland Security Investigations and the Rhode Island Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force searched Ethier's home, according to the release.

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"As a result of the search, law enforcement located over 600 images depicting child pornography on Ethier’s electronic devices," the release said.

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Ethier's sentencing was scheduled for March 5.

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