Former Barrington Christian Academy Teacher Indicted on Federal Child Exploitation Charges

PROVIDENCE - A federal grand jury has returned a five-count indictment charging former Barrington Christian Academy teacher and athletics coach Sean Cassidy, 53, of Pawtucket, with coercion and enticement of a minor; falsely presenting as a federal employee; two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor; and possession of child pornography.

The indictment, returned on September 2, 2026, includes two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor stemming from alleged conduct in 2011 and a charge of possession of child pornography. These charges are in addition to charges of coercion and enticement of a minor and falsely presenting as a federal employee, which were initially charged by federal criminal complaint following Cassidy's arrest on federal charges in August.

According to the federal criminal complaint previously filed in the matter, Cassidy allegedly used his position as a teacher and athletics coach to develop a relationship with a minor student and falsely represented himself as an agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He also used multiple online platforms-email, messaging services, and encrypted accounts-to communicate with the minor under various fictitious identities. Cassidy allegedly directed the minor to engage in acts, including taking partially nude photographs of herself, claiming they were part of an FBI "training program."

"Children should never have to fear the adults entrusted with their safety and education. The allegations in this indictment are abhorrent and represent a profound betrayal of that trust," said First Assistant United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda. "We will relentlessly pursue those who prey upon children and use every available resource to hold them accountable."

"Cassidy stands accused of a litany of crimes against children who were entrusted to his care. This is every parent's nightmare - a trusted coach, teacher, and trainer allegedly using his trust and access to children to manipulate and eventually exploit kids," said Homeland Security Investigations New England Acting Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Grimming. "This case came to HSI's attention through a tip from a vigilant parent through our Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force partners. HSI works around the clock with our law enforcement partners to investigate crimes against children, but we can only do this work with the help of the parents, friends, teachers, and members of the public who are ready to come forward when they see something they know is wrong."

The indictment further alleges that Cassidy sexually exploited a minor on two occasions in 2011 for the purpose of producing visual depictions of sexually explicit conduct. Cassidy is also charged with knowingly possessing or accessing, with intent to view, child pornography through approximately June 1, 2026.

Cassidy is scheduled to be arraigned on the indictment on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

Coercion and enticement of a minor carries a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Each count of sexual exploitation of a minor carries a mandatory minimum sentence of fifteen years and a maximum sentence of thirty years. Possession of child pornography carries a maximum sentence of twenty years, and falsely presenting as a federal employee carries a maximum sentence of three years.

Cassidy was previously arrested on June 1 and July 17, 2026, on related Rhode Island state charges. The federal investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are continuing to review evidence and evaluate reports of Cassidy's contacts with additional minors.

The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Denise Barton.

The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Rhode Island Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, with assistance from local law enforcement partners.

An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.