Detective Bureau

On August 15, 2024, members of the Computer Crimes Unit/Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force arrested Andrew Higgins, age 33, of 361 Knight Street, Woonsocket, Rhode Island, for the following: 1) Transfer of Child Pornography; and 2) Possession of Child Pornography. Mr. Higgins was processed at the Lincoln Barracks and arraigned in Sixth District Court before the Honorable Justice Isherwood, who set bail at $2,500 w/surety, no contact with minors and limited internet use.

On August 15, 2024, members of the Financial Crimes Unit arrested James McAleer, age 81, of 360 Taber Avenue, Providence, Rhode Island, for Unlawful Appropriation. Mr. McAleer was processed, arraigned by a Justice of the Peace and released on $5000 personal recognizance.

On August 15, 2024, members of the Computer Crimes Unit/Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force arrested Adam Pelliccia, age 39, of 8 Greenville Avenue, North Providence, Rhode Island, on the following: 1) Providence Superior Court Bench Warrant for 1st Degree Child Molestation; and 2) Large-Capacity Feeding Device Prohibited (51 counts). Mr. Pelliccia was processed at the Lincoln Barracks, arraigned by a Justice of the Peace, and turned over to the ACI Intake Center.

On August 14, 2024, members of the RI Violent Fugitive Task Force arrested Joao Luis Vieira, age 43, of 38 Harris Avenue, West Warwick, Rhode Island, on the following: 1) Fugitive from Justice out of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for Cocaine Trafficking; 2) Affidavit and Arrest Warrant for Obstruction out of the West Warwick Police Department; 3) Affidavit and Arrest Warrant for Eluding out of the East Providence Police Department; 4) Superior Court Bench Warrant for an original charge of Manufacturing/ Delivering/ Possession with Intent; and 5) Immigration Violation Warrant / Deportation Detainer from ICE due to being a previously deported Felon. Mr. Vieira was taken into custody without incident and turned over to the West Warwick Police Department.

On August 14, 2024, members of the Computer Crimes Unit/Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force arrested Ryan Minasian, age 19, 57 Makin Street, Pawtucket, Rhode Island, for Possession of Child Pornography. Mr. Minasian was processed at the Lincoln Barracks and arraigned in Sixth District Court before the Honorable Justice Isherwood, who set bail at $2,500 w/surety, no contact with minors and limited internet use.

On August 14, 2024, members of the HIDTA Task Force arrested Anthony Stevens, age 26, of 1216 Park Avenue, Cranston, Rhode Island, for the following: 1) Possession with the Intent to Deliver a Schedule II Controlled Substance - Methamphetamine Pills; and 2) Possession with Intent to Deliver 1 oz - 1 kilogram of a Schedule II Controlled Substance - Methamphetamine Pills. Mr. Stevens was processed at the Lincoln Barracks, special arraigned by a Justice of the Peace and transported to the ACI Intake Center pending a morning arraignment in Sixth District Court.

Media Contact: 401-764-5604 Major Kenneth M. Moriarty, Detective Commander