Source: United States Department of Justice News
PROVIDENCE – A Cranston made an initial appearance in federal court today on charges that he allegedly produced and possessed child pornography, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
It is alleged that Gregory Phillips, 42, coerced a 7-year-old child to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct, and that he possessed images and videos of child pornography.
Phillips is charged by way of a federal criminal complaint with production of child pornography and possession of child pornography.
The defendant’s alleged conduct was brought to the attention of a Cranston Police Department Detective and the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force in June 2022 by way of a report provided by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. After further investigation, Philips was arrested on September 3, 2022, and ordered detained on Rhode Island state charges.
Philips was taken into federal custody today pursuant to a federal arrest warrant issued on October 26, 2022.
United States Attorney Cunha thanks the Rhode Island Department of Attorney General for their assistance which led to the filing of a federal criminal complaint A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Homeland Security Investigations assisted the ICAC Task Force and the Cranston Police Department in the investigation of this matter.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lee H. Vilker.
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