A Pawtucket man was sentenced on Mar. 23 in federal court to 15 years in prison for possession and distribution of child pornography, according to United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda.
The sentencing underscores the seriousness with which federal authorities pursue cases involving the exploitation of children online. The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute such offenses.
Gary Ethier, age 60, received a sentence from U.S District Court Judge Melissa R. DuBose that includes 15 years of imprisonment followed by ten years of supervised release. Ethier had 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, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Cyber Crimes Center learned in November 2024 that Ethier was discussing the sexual exploitation of minors online and had sent multiple images of child pornography to another individual over the internet. On December 2, investigators searched Ethier’s home with members of HSI and the Rhode Island Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, finding more than six hundred images depicting child pornography on his 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 prosecution was led by Assistant United States Attorney Peter I. Roklan following an investigation conducted jointly by Homeland Security Investigations and the Rhode Island ICAC Task Force.
This matter is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice aimed at combating child sexual exploitation through collaboration among federal, state, and local agencies.
