A Coventry man has admitted to exploiting a minor and producing child sexual abuse material while on pre-trial release for a separate child pornography charge. Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom announced the plea.
Scott P. Hickey, 46, pleaded guilty to several charges including possession of child pornography, exploitation of a minor, and distribution of child pornography. In June 2019, Hickey was indicted for possession and intent to view child pornography after law enforcement found 164 images on his cellphone.
While awaiting trial in 2023, Hickey exploited a minor female by live streaming or recording sexually explicit activity. He was arrested on July 27, 2023, with a forensic audit revealing at least 572 images of CSAM on his phone.
Hickey’s sentencing is set for October 23, 2025. A federal district judge will determine the sentence considering U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutory factors.
Assistant United States Attorney Paul F. Daly Jr. is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by FBI agents from Providence and Washington, DC field offices.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse nationwide. The program coordinates resources from federal, state, and local levels to prosecute offenders and rescue victims. More information can be found at https://www.justice.gov/psc
To report suspected online child exploitation or abuse, contact the Know2Protect Tipline at 1-833-591-KNOW (5669) or visit the NCMEC CyberTipline at https://report.cybertip.org/
