Pawtucket Man Sentenced for Possession and Distribution of Child Pornography

PROVIDENCE - A Pawtucket man who pleaded guilty to possession and distribution of child pornography was sentenced today in federal court, announced United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda.

Gary Ethier, 60, was sentenced by U.S District Court Judge Melissa R. DuBose to 15 years of imprisonment to be followed by 10 years of supervised release. Ethier previously pleaded guilty on December 1, 2025.

"Individuals who distribute child sexual abuse material play a direct role in the ongoing abuse and exploitation of children," said United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda. "This 15-year sentence reflects the seriousness of these crimes and sends a clear message that these offenses will be aggressively investigated and prosecuted."

According to court documents, in November 2024, members of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Cyber Crimes Center received information that Ethier was discussing the sexual exploitation of minor children with another individual online. Ethier also sent the individual multiple images of child pornography.

On December 2, 2024, Ethier's home was searched by members of HSI and the Rhode Island Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. As a result of the search, law enforcement located more than 600 images depicting child pornography on Ethier's electronic devices.

"This case emerged as a cyber lead from the depths of the internet and uncovered a dangerous and depraved individual living right here in Rhode Island. After a meticulous investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and our partners at the Rhode Island State Police, Gary Ethier is now facing a lengthy federal sentence," said Homeland Security Investigations New England Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol. "We remain committed to protecting children and holding predators like Ethier accountable for their crimes."

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter I. Roklan.

The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Rhode Island ICAC Task Force.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.