PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A sex offender with four prior state convictions on charges relating to child sexual abuse material has now been sentenced to ten years in federal prison for additional federal CSAM offenses after an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations New England and Rhode Island state partners.
In July 2023, less than one month after being released from state prison after completing a four-year term of incarceration, Patrick M. O’Donnell, 63, was found to be in possession of two cellphones, in violation of the conditions of the terms of his state probation, which a forensic review by ICAC task force members found to have been used to access child pornography.
O’Donnell pleaded guilty in federal court on April 8, 2024, to a charge of possession of child pornography. He was sentenced Aug. 29 to 10 years of incarceration to be followed by lifetime federal supervised release.
The matter was investigated by HSI New England’s Providence Resident Agent in Charge office, the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Cranston Police, and the Rhode Island Department of Corrections, Probation and Parole.
HSI is a global leader in the fight against child exploitation. Last year, HSI special agents dedicated 1.2 million case hours toward investigating child exploitation. This heinous crime harms the most vulnerable in our society: our kids. As technology evolves and more people have access to the internet, children are at a greater risk than ever. HSI’s special agents and analysts around the world are dedicated to countering this threat.
Report suspected child exploitation to the HSI Tip Line at 877-4-HSI-TIP or through the CyberTipline on the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children's website.