South Kingstown Man Indicted on Child Pornography Charges
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A federal grand jury on Wednesday returned a three-count indictment charging a South Kingstown man with possessing and distributing child pornography, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
The indictment charges William Schock, 27, with two counts of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.
Charging documents allege that Schock shared sexually explicit images of prepubescent females with others, using an online social media app. Additionally, it is alleged, Schock downloaded and stored video files depicting child pornography.
According to court documents, in May 2020, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents in Ottawa provided information to HSI agents in Providence of an IP address that was used to upload an image of child pornography. HSI Providence agents determined that the IP address belonged to Shock’s residence, and that on at least two occasions it was allegedly used to upload child pornography.
In August 2020, HSI agents, assisted by the Rhode Island State Police and members of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, executed a court-authorized search of Schock’s residence. A forensic review of Schock’s cell phone allegedly revealed numerous videos depicting child pornography.
A federal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Terrence P. Donnelly.
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Jim Martin
(401) 709-5357