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Rhode Island State Police Conduct Arrests in Child Solicitation Cases

Police efforts to combat child solicitation in Rhode Island

News Summary

On July 31, the Rhode Island State Police arrested several individuals in connection with child solicitation and related crimes. Four suspects were apprehended, including two for indecent solicitation of a minor. These arrests are part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat child exploitation and improve community safety. Previous operations have also led to significant arrests related to child trafficking, emphasizing the importance of vigilance against these offenses. Authorities plan to continue investigations to ensure further arrests while protecting vulnerable children online.

Rhode Island State Police Conduct Multiple Arrests for Child Solicitation and Other Crimes

On July 31, the Rhode Island State Police made several arrests in a series of separate incidents, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat child solicitation and related crimes in the region. Four individuals were apprehended, with charges ranging from willful trespass to child solicitation.

One of the arrests included Donald Turchetta, 68, from Providence, who was taken into custody by the Gaming Enforcement Unit for willful trespass. He was processed at the Lincoln Barracks and released with an upcoming arraignment date scheduled at Kent County Courthouse.

James Ruth, 36, from Woonsocket, was arrested a federal arrest warrant on charges related to his escape from custody. The Rhode Island Violent Fugitive Task Force, in conjunction with the Woonsocket Police Department, apprehended him without incident, and he was subsequently transported to the Rhode Island Federal Courthouse for further proceedings.

Additionally, Jose Gutierrez, 25, also of Providence, was arrested by the Special Victims Unit and Major Crimes Unit for indecent solicitation of a minor and obstruction. After being processed at the Lincoln Barracks, he was arraigned by a justice of the peace and released.

Luis Fernando Diaz, 25, a resident of Providence, faced similar obstruction charges. He was processed and released after being arraigned, sharing a connection to Gutierrez in their respective arrests.

Some of the arrests are part of a broader investigation into child solicitation. Notably, Vivian Gisselle Soriano-Neto, a Honduran woman residing illegally in the United States, was arrested earlier on March 11 by ICE agents in Providence for child trafficking crimes. She faces serious charges, including two counts of indecent solicitation of a child and trafficking of a minor. Soriano-Neto remains in ICE custody as her removal proceedings are pending. Her history includes multiple arrests, having been initially apprehended by U.S. Customs and Border Protection after illegally entering the U.S. in late 2017.

In a related operation called Operation Guardian, Rhode Island State Police announced the arrest of thirteen individuals involved in soliciting minors for sexual activity through social media platforms. The suspects, believing they were arranging meetings with children aged 13 to 15, were actually communicating with undercover investigators. All suspects faced charges of indecent solicitation of a child, with some also facing additional charges such as possession of cocaine. This operation included residents from both Rhode Island and Massachusetts, with one suspect identified as a registered sex offender whose registration had expired.

This series of arrests underscores the continual efforts by law enforcement to protect children from exploitation, emphasizing the critical role of monitoring children’s online interactions. The police units involved in these operations have highlighted both the challenges and the importance of their work in rescuing vulnerable children while apprehending potential predators.

Further investigations are expected to yield additional arrests as authorities continue their vigilance against these serious offenses. The Rhode Island State Police remain dedicated to addressing the issue of child exploitation and enhancing community safety through proactive measures and strategic collaborations.