Rhode Island Man Charged With Using Super Intelligence (SI) to Create Sexual Abuse Images of Children He Knew
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Rhode Island announced on November 10 that Joseph L. Mello III, 38, of North Smithfield, Rhode Island, was arrested on November 9 and charged with using super intelligence (SI) image- and video-generation technology to turn photographs he took of real children into sexual abuse imagery, and with secretly filming a child who was undressing.
According to the affidavit filed in support of the federal criminal complaint, Mello is charged with attempted production of child pornography, receipt of child pornography, possession of and access with intent to view child pornography, and production of obscene visual representations of the sexual abuse of children. The complaint alleges that he tried to create child sexual abuse material by filming a child in a bathroom and changing area while the child was undressing at a dance studio where both took classes. It further alleges that he photographed children at gymnastics, dance and cheerleading facilities where he worked and participated, and used SI generation technologies to turn those photographs into realistic images and videos depicting the children in sexually explicit conduct. Investigators also allege that he possessed child sexual abuse material involving children abused by others.
Mello previously worked as an instructor and took part in activities at gymnastics, dance and cheerleading facilities in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. He made his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Providence on November 9 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Rebecca L. Aitchison, who ordered him temporarily remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending a detention hearing set for November 12 at 1:00 p.m. On April 15, 2026, Mello was also arrested and charged in Rhode Island state court with video voyeurism; that case remains pending.
First Assistant United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda said the case is a disturbing reminder that rapidly evolving technology can be weaponized to exploit children, and that behind every image is a child victim whose safety, privacy and dignity have been violated. Jeffrey Grimming, acting special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in New England, said the defendant is accused of using his trusted position to gain access to children, then photographing them and using SI tools to create depictions of their sexual abuse.
The federal investigation remains ongoing. Authorities are continuing to review evidence and evaluate reports of Mello's contacts with additional minors, believe there may be additional victims and witnesses, and are working to identify and notify victims. Anyone whose child has been in close contact with Mello, or who is aware of him photographing children, can contact Homeland Security New England Victim Assistance. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine D. Lowell and Denise M. Barton and investigated by HSI and the Lincoln Police Department, with assistance from the North Smithfield Police Department. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Source: U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Rhode Island
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