Multiple Arrests Made for Child Solicitation in Rhode Island

Police officer representing law enforcement in Rhode Island

News Summary

Recent law enforcement operations in Rhode Island have led to several arrests for indecent solicitation of minors and related offenses. Notable arrests include Jose Gutierrez, Alec Perry, Vivian Gisselle Soriano-Neto, and James Tripp, each facing serious charges connected to the solicitation and exploitation of children. These operations underscore a growing concern for the safety of minors in the state, as authorities work to combat crimes against vulnerable populations.

Providence, Rhode Island – Multiple Arrests Made for Indecent Solicitation of Minors and Related Crimes

Recent law enforcement operations in Rhode Island have resulted in several arrests for child solicitation and related offenses, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding the safety of minors. Among those arrested are Jose Gutierrez, Alec Perry, Vivian Gisselle Soriano-Neto, and James Tripp, who are facing serious charges linked to the solicitation and exploitation of children.

Arrests and Charges

On a Thursday, José Gutierrez, 25, of Providence, was arrested and charged with indecent solicitation of a minor and obstruction. His apprehension was carried out by the Rhode Island State Police’s Special Victims Unit, Major Crimes Unit, and the Tactical Team, with support from local troopers. After being processed, he was arraigned by a justice of the peace and subsequently released.

Alec Perry, 30, of Pawtucket, was also apprehended following a more dramatic series of events on August 1. Initially wanted on child solicitation charges, Perry attempted to evade law enforcement by fleeing in his vehicle. During this escape, he struck a police officer in North Kingstown, causing injuries that required hospitalization; however, the officer is reported to be in stable condition. Police fired shots during the arrest, but thankfully, no injuries were reported among law enforcement personnel.

During Perry’s attempt to evade capture, he had arranged to meet what he believed was a thirteen-year-old girl for a sexual encounter. His actions led to multiple charges, including indecent solicitation of a child, electronically disseminating indecent material to minors, and felony assault among others. Perry is currently on probation for prior offenses related to robbery, assault, and car theft and was remanded to the Adult Correctional Institutions in Cranston after his arraignment.

Additional Arrests

Vivian Gisselle Soriano-Neto, a 33-year-old woman from Honduras, was charged with two counts of indecent solicitation of a child and child trafficking ostensibly related to the exploitation of minors. She was arrested in Providence on March 11 and is currently in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), pending removal proceedings. Soriano-Neto has a prior arrest in 2017 by U.S. Customs and Border Protection for illegally entering the U.S.

In another case, James Tripp, 38, of Cranston, was arrested by the Computer Crimes Unit/Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force for charges that include indecent solicitation of a child and disseminating indecent material to a minor. Like Gutierrez, Tripp was processed at State Police Headquarters, where his bond was set at $5,000 and he faces restrictions on internet access and unsupervised contact with minors.

Background Context

These arrests are part of a broader initiative by various law enforcement agencies, including the Rhode Island State Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), aimed at combating crimes against children. An emphasis on proactive operations reflects a heightened awareness of the dangers posed by individuals seeking to exploit minors through technology and other means.

The increase in arrests related to child solicitation underscores the need for vigilant measures to protect vulnerable populations, particularly in digital spaces where such solicitations can occur anonymously. The authorities remain committed to addressing these alarming trends and ensuring that those who exploit children face severe legal consequences.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Rhode Island State Police Conduct Arrests in Child Solicitation Cases
Cranston Man Arrested for Indecent Solicitation
East Providence Hospital Employee Arrested for Sexual Assault
Honduran Woman Arrested in Child Trafficking Case in Providence

Additional Resources

STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
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.

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