Portsmouth Police charge local man with Soliciting a Minor, released on $5,000 personal recognizance

Portsmouth, RI — A local man is facing a disturbing charge, police say.

According to police, on Monday, at approximately 6:30 a.m., 56-year-old Michael Collins of Harrisville, RI, was taken into custody at his residence following an investigation by the Portsmouth Police Detective Division into a report of indecent solicitation of a juvenile.

Investigators developed information indicating that Collins had been soliciting inappropriate contact with a 14-year-old juvenile residing in Portsmouth. During the course of the investigation, detectives obtained several items of evidentiary value, including online communications between Collins and the juvenile victim.

Based on the evidence, an arrest warrant was secured, and the Rhode Island Violent Fugitive Task Force apprehended Collins without incident. He was subsequently transported to the Portsmouth Police Department for processing.

Collins was arraigned in the 2nd Division District Court on the charge of Indecent Solicitation of a Minor and released on $5,000 personal recognizance. As conditions of his bail, he is prohibited from having contact with minors and from using the internet, smartphones, or computers.