Cranston sex offender sentenced to 10 years in prison for possession of child pornography

PROVIDENCE — A repeat offender with a history of child pornography convictions has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after being found in possession of child pornography shortly after his release from state prison, U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Cunha announced.

Patrick M. O’Donnell, 63, a Level III sex offender, was released from a state prison in July after serving four years when he was caught with two cellphones.

The devices were seized because they violated the terms of his probation.

Forensic investigation revealed that O’Donnell used the phones to access child pornography.

O’Donnell pleaded guilty to federal charges of possession of child pornography on April 8 and was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William E. Smith.

After his incarceration, O’Donnell will be released on federal supervision for life.

The investigation involved Homeland Security Investigations, the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Cranston Police and the Rhode Island Department of Corrections, Probation and Parole.

This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood, a national initiative launched in May 2006 by the Ministry of Justice to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse.

The initiative coordinates the efforts of federal, state and local authorities to apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children and to identify and rescue victims.