NEWS

Western Hills custodian arrested for possession and transfer of child pornography

Posted 3/29/22

Colonel James Manni, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police and Director of the Department of Public Safety, announced that on March 24, members of the Rhode Island State Police/Internet …

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NEWS

Western Hills custodian arrested for possession and transfer of child pornography

Posted

Colonel James Manni, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police and Director of the Department of Public Safety, announced that on March 24, members of the Rhode Island State Police/Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force arrested Michael Macari, 34, of 175 Hoffman Ave., Apt. 202, Cranston, on Possession of Child Pornography (one count) and Mail, Transport, Deliver, or Transfer of Child Pornography (one count).        

For approximately five years, Macari has been worked as a custodian for Western Hills Middle School within the Cranston School Department. State Police said that at this time, there is no evidence of any inappropriate involvement with students. However, as the investigation continues, police ask that anyone with pertinent information regarding Macari to contact the Rhode Island State Police/Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force at (401) 921-1170.

The Cranston Public Schools district released a statement concerning the charges:

“This morning, Cranston Public Schools was notified that one of our custodians, Michael Macari who was presently working at Western Hills Middle School, was arrested on charges related to child pornography. As soon as we became aware of this, Cranston Public Schools acted immediately to put him on leave. We are cooperating fully with the investigation, however, at this time, based on information from law enforcement authorities, we do not believe these allegations involve any students at Cranston Public School.”

ICAC Task Force members recently initiated an investigation regarding an individual sharing child pornography over the internet. The internet connection at 175 Hoffman Ave., Apt. 202, Cranston, was identified as allegedly sharing files of the child pornography. On March 24, members of the Rhode Island State Police Computer Crimes Unit and Internet Crimes against Children Task Force executed a court-authorized search warrant at Macari’s residence. Macari was identified as the owner of digital media and social media accounts that were allegedly involved in the possession and transfer of child pornography.

Macari was arraigned at Third Division District Court and held on $5,000 surety bail. Macari was assigned a future Third Division District Court date and ordered not to have unsupervised contact with minors.

A person found guilty of Possession of Child Pornography may be subject to a fine of not more than 5,000 or imprisoned not more than five years, or both. A person found guilty of Transfer of Child Pornography may be subject to a fine of not more than $5,000 or imprisoned not more than 15 years, or both.

Macari, custodians

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