SOMERSET, MA — A Rhode Island man was arrested after allegedly sending lewd images and messages to a juvenile through social media.
Michael Gallo, 33, of Cranston, Rhode Island, was taken into custody at approximately 8 p.m. Sunday by Somerset Police detectives.
Gallo was charged with distributing obscene matter to a minor, two counts of enticement of a child under 16, and accosting/annoying another person.
The investigation began in late January when the Somerset Police Department received a report that Gallo had been sending lewd images, videos and messages to a juvenile through the social media application Snapchat.
During the communications, Gallo told the juvenile that he was 22 years old, according to police.
Investigators later determined that Gallo was actually 33 years old.
The juvenile had provided their correct age to Gallo, making him aware that the individual he was communicating with was under the age of 14, police said.
Detective Donald Cormier developed probable cause that Gallo had committed the offenses over the course of the investigation.
On Sunday, Gallo arrived at a predetermined location in Somerset believing he was meeting the juvenile.
Upon arrival, he was taken into custody by Somerset Police detectives without incident.
Gallo was arraigned in Fall River District Court on Monday and was held on $25,000 bail.
Detective Lieutenant Jason Matos, Detective Sergeant Nicholas Davidson, Detective James Cardella and Detective Donald Cormier made the arrest.
The Cranston, Rhode Island, Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police High Risk Victims Unit provided assistance in the investigation.
