Rhode Island school employee arrested on child pornography charges

Colonel James Manni, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police and Director of the Department of Public Safety, announces that today, members of the Rhode Island State Police/Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force arrested 34-year-old Michael Macari, of Cranston, Rhode Island for one count of Possession of Child Pornography and one count of Mail, Transport, Deliver, or Transfer of Child Pornography.

ICAC Task Force members recently initiated an investigation regarding an individual sharing child pornography over the internet. The internet connection at Macri’s residence was identified as allegedly sharing files of child pornography. This morning, members of the Rhode Island State Police Computer Crimes Unit and Internet Crimes against Children Task Force executed a court-authorized search warrant at Macari’s residence. Macari was identified as the owner of digital media and social media accounts that were allegedly involved in the possession and transfer of child pornography.

For approximately five years, Macari has been employed as a custodian for the Cranston School Department. He is currently assigned to the Western Hills Middle School. According to police, at this time, there is no evidence of any inappropriate involvement with students. However, as the investigation continues, Rhode Island State Police ask that anyone with pertinent information regarding Macari, contact the Rhode Island State Police/Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force at (401) 921-1170.

Macari was arraigned at Third Division District Court by Judge Christine Jabour and held on $5,000.00 surety bail. Macari was assigned a future Third Division District Court date and ordered not to have unsupervised contact with minors.

A person found guilty of Possession of Child Pornography may be subject to a fine of not more than $5,000 or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both. A person found guilty of Transfer of Child Pornography may be subject to a fine of not more than $5,000 or imprisoned not more than 15 years, or both.