Bristol County man accused of setting up encounter with 9-year-old Rhode Island girl

PROVIDENCE – A Bristol County man has been ordered detained in federal custody on charges that he allegedly traveled to Rhode Island to engage in illicit sexual contact with a minor, and that he received and possessed child pornography, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.

It is alleged in court documents that 36-year-old Paul Fredericks after engaging in more than two weeks of online conversations with a person he believed to be the father of nearly a nine-year-old girl, arranged to meet with the father and, later, with then his prepubescent daughter with the intent to engage in illicit sexual activity. The person Fredericks was communicating with was, in fact, a Rhode Island State Police Detective assigned to the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

Fredericks and the “father” of the young girl agreed to meet in a Providence parking lot on October 5. At that meeting, Fredericks allegedly discussed with the “father” ways he could prepare his daughter for sex, and suggested that they meet five days later to engage in sexual activity. Prior to the conclusion of the that meeting, Fredericks was arrested by members of the ICAC Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations. Fredericks was found to be carrying a condom and lubricant in a vest pocket.

A brief forensic audit of Fredericks cell phone at the time of his arrest allegedly revealed evidence that Fredericks had received and stored images of child pornography on his phone.

Fredericks is charged by way of a federal criminal complaint with attempted enticement of a minor; interstate travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct; receipt of child pornography; and possession of child pornography. He was ordered to remain in federal custody following a preliminary and detention hearing in U.S. District Court in Providence on Tuesday.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John P. McAdams.