News Summary Two men from Cranston, Rhode Island, have been arrested for serious child pornography offenses. Gaetano Faraone faces charges for possessing child pornography, while Nicholas Antoniou has been charged with sending indecent material to a minor along with possession of child pornography. Both men have been subjected to strict release conditions to prevent further offenses. These arrests highlight the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat child exploitation and ensure the safety of minors in the digital age. Cranston – Two men from Cranston, Rhode Island, have been charged with serious offenses related to child pornography and inappropriate communication with minors. Gaetano Faraone, 35, was arrested by the Rhode Island State Police Computer Crimes Unit and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Faraone faces charges of possessing child pornography, and following his arrest on Thursday, he was taken to State Police Headquarters for processing before appearing in the Third District Court. After arraignment, he was released on his own recognizance, with special conditions that include no unsupervised contact with minors and limited access to the internet. In a separate incident, Nicholas Antoniou, 36, was arrested on April 17 on charges related to sending indecent material to a minor and possessing child pornography. This arrest followed an investigation initiated by Portsmouth police detectives after a report concerning the electronic dissemination of inappropriate material to a minor. Authorities discovered that Antoniou had allegedly sent explicit images and messages to a 14-year-old from Portsmouth. Evidence of these communications was found during the investigation, as well as files containing child pornography on Antoniou’s electronic devices. Antoniou was charged in the 2nd Division District Court with two counts of electronically disseminating indecent material to a minor and possession of child pornography. His bail was set at $5,000 with surety, and he was subjected to strict release conditions, which prohibit any contact with minors and impose restrictions on the use of the internet, smartphones, and computers. He was arrested without incident in Cranston by the Rhode Island Violent Fugitive Task Force. The Portsmouth Police Department announced Antoniou’s arrest on Facebook on April 23. Details of the Charges Faraone’s arrest comes as part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat child pornography and online exploitation of minors. His release conditions are particularly focused on preventing further potential offenses, reflecting the seriousness of the charges against him. Similarly, Antoniou’s arrest for sending messages and images to a minor underscores the increasing scrutiny of individuals who engage in inappropriate online behavior with children. Broader Context The charges against both men highlight a disturbing trend in crimes involving child exploitation and the use of modern technology to facilitate these crimes. Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of vigilance among parents, guardians, and community members to monitor children’s online interactions and to report any suspicious activities. The ongoing investigations underscore the commitment of local and state police to protect vulnerable populations, particularly children, and to take immediate action against individuals who engage in predatory behavior. As technology evolves, so too do the methods used by those seeking to harm minors, making it critical for law enforcement agencies to stay ahead of these trends. The investigation and subsequent arrests of Faraone and Antoniou reflect a broader pattern of increased awareness and response to child exploitation in the digital age. Continuing education and preventive measures are vital to ensure the safety and well-being of the youth in Rhode Island and beyond. Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic HERE Resources Lincoln Community Mourns Loss of Cherished Members Registered Sex Offender Sentenced for Child Exploitation Pawtucket Sex Offender Antonio Luis Median-Santiago Captured Traffic Lane Shift on Route 37 in Cranston Providence Man Arrested for Child Pornography Possession Additional Resources Patch: Cranston Child Pornography Possessor Nabbed Wikipedia: Child exploitation Turn to 10: Cranston Man Arrested for Allegedly Sending Indecent Material Google Search: Child pornography law ABC6: Cranston Man Accused of Sending Inappropriate Messages to Minor Google Scholar: Child online safety ABC6: RI Corrections Deputy Chief Resigns Amid Child Porn Allegations Encyclopedia Britannica: Internet safety
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.
