A Pawtucket man is headed to federal prison for 15 years after admitting he possessed and distributed child pornography, capping a year-long investigation that started with an online tip and ended with a cache of illegal images seized from his home.
Gary Ethier, 60, was sentenced Monday in Providence federal court by U.S. District Court Judge Melissa R. DuBose, who also ordered 10 years of supervised release to follow his prison term.
U.S. Attorney Charles Calenda said the 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 Boston 25 News. Homeland Security Investigations New England Special Agent in Charge Michael Krol called the probe “meticulous” and said agents remain committed to protecting children, the outlet reported.
How investigators uncovered the case
According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office, the case first hit investigators’ radar in November 2024, when Homeland Security Investigations' Cyber Crimes Center received information that Ethier was online discussing the sexual exploitation of minors and had sent images to another person.
That tip quickly escalated. On Dec. 2, 2024, agents executed a search warrant at Ethier's Pawtucket home. A forensic review of the devices they seized later turned up more than 600 images of child sexual abuse material, prosecutors said.
The U.S. Attorney's Office stated that the investigation was conducted with assistance from the Rhode Island Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, which routinely partners with federal agents on cases involving online exploitation.
Plea and sentencing details
Ethier pleaded guilty on Dec. 1, 2025, to federal charges of possession and distribution of child pornography, as reported by Boston 25 News.
Judge DuBose then imposed a 15-year term in federal prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release.
Where this case fits
Prosecutors said the case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative that pulls together federal, state and local resources to combat online child sexual exploitation.
Federal authorities in the region have been steadily rolling out similar prosecutions. Earlier this year, for example, a Taunton man was sentenced on enticement and child sexual abuse material charges, according to a separate release from the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Officials continue to urge the public to speak up if something looks wrong online. To report suspected child sexual exploitation on the internet, visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children's CyberTipline at report.cybertip.org or call 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678). Federal and nonprofit resources, including the Department of Homeland Security's Know2Protect campaign, also offer guidance and a tipline at 1-833-591-KNOW.
