AI Child Abuse Case Defendant Granted Bail

A 38-year-old Rhode Island man, Joseph Mello III, faces federal charges after prosecutors allege he secretly filmed a child and used photographs of children taken at dance, gymnastics and cheerleading facilities to create AI-generated child sexual abuse material. Investigators also say they found hundreds of images and videos depicting child sexual abuse, including material created by others, and that their investigation is ongoing as they assess whether there are additional victims. At a detention hearing, alleged victims testified about the harm they say Mello caused; prosecutors argued he posed a danger to children and a flight risk, while the defense cited his community ties and argued he had not physically harmed children. A judge granted bail under strict conditions, including home confinement, no internet access and no contact with minors, but delayed Mello’s release to allow prosecutors time to appeal.