News Summary
Nicholas Sannicandro, a 35-year-old registered Level 2 sex offender, has received a 30-year federal prison sentence for attempted child exploitation. He pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including attempting to induce minors into illicit sexual activities and possession of child pornography. The case, investigated by the FBI, revealed that he sought contact with minors through social media, highlighting ongoing issues related to child safety and the accountability of sex offenders. The sentencing is seen as a crucial step in protecting vulnerable populations.
Providence, Rhode Island – Nicholas Sannicandro, a 35-year-old registered Level 2 sex offender, has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for attempted child exploitation. This sentencing, announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Sara Miron Bloom, includes 360 months of incarceration followed by 15 years of supervised release. The ruling was delivered by U.S. District Court Judge Mary McElroy.
Sannicandro pleaded guilty on May 8, 2024, to several charges, including two counts of attempted inducement of a minor to engage in illicit sexual activity and two counts of attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor. Additionally, he admitted to one count of possession and access with intent to view child pornography, and one count of committing an offense as a registered sex offender.
The case against Sannicandro has significant implications due to his prior criminal history. He has been convicted three times for offenses related to child sexual abuse material in Massachusetts. His most recent criminal activities led to an investigation conducted by the FBI in collaboration with local law enforcement, ultimately resulting in his arrest.
Sannicandro’s criminal behavior came to light when he communicated with two minor boys from Florida via Instagram. These conversations began to take a troubling turn as they included sexually explicit dialogue. Sannicandro attempted to arrange a meeting with one of the minors for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual activities. However, it was later revealed that he was conversing with an undercover officer posing as one of the boys.
On June 22, 2021, Sannicandro was arrested in Warwick, Rhode Island, while anticipating the meeting with the minor. During his arrest, law enforcement seized a cell phone which contained numerous images and videos consistent with child sexual abuse material. The findings from the phone reinforced the severity of his actions and further solidified the prosecution’s case against him.
The court proceedings involved multiple parties, with the case prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Denise Barton and John McAdams. They received investigative support from the FBI and local police departments, showcasing a collaborative effort to address such criminal activities.
Acting Special Agent Kimberly Milka from the FBI classified Sannicandro as a “predator” who actively sought to lure children for sexual exploitation. This characterization underscores the dangers posed by individuals who engage in similar criminal behaviors, especially those with a prior history of offenses against minors.
This sentencing serves as a significant step towards ensuring a safer environment for children while addressing the serious nature of crimes related to child exploitation. The lengthy prison sentence reflects the court’s commitment to addressing such offenses with the seriousness they deserve, emphasizing public safety and the protection of vulnerable populations.
The judicial outcomes are a part of ongoing efforts across the nation to combat child exploitation and hold offenders accountable for their actions, particularly those who repeatedly commit such serious crimes.
As the legal system continues to address these grave offenses, it highlights the importance of vigilant monitoring and enforcement against registered sex offenders to prevent future incidents and protect children from exploitation.
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Additional Resources
- Valley Breeze: Recidivist Sex Offender Gets 30 Years in Prison
- Patch: Providence Sex Offender Arrested for Failing to Register
- Boston 25 News: Predator Recidivist Sex Offender Convicted
- Wikipedia: Sex Offender
- Fall River Reporter: Rhode Island Registered Sex Offender Sentenced
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Exploitation
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
