Rhode Island - November 9, 2026 Rhode Island State Police have released details on two arrests I was looking into earlier today: Blake Carpenter, 29, of Johnston, and Saw Ye, 50, of Smithfield. Both were arrested November 7 during an undercover operation by the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force and Special Victims Unit. Court complaints allege both solicited someone they believed was a 14-year-old girl for sexual activity. Ye was released on $5,000 personal recognizance. Carpenter was remanded to custody; State Police said he was turned over to the ACI as a probation violator. Both face felony indecent solicitation charges, with court conferences scheduled for February 4, 2027. The ICAC Task Force and Special Victims Unit continue to investigate individuals suspected of crimes against children. These are among the most difficult and disturbing cases imaginable. As a former public safety dispatcher, I read reports involving these crimes, and even then, I struggled to process what I was reading. I cannot fully comprehend the courage and emotional strength it takes for investigators to examine these cases day after day. Child exploitation investigations can involve countless hours reviewing horrific images, videos, text messages and other evidence most of us cannot fathom. Some also require investigators to pose as children while communicating with suspects. The emotional toll of this work deserves far greater recognition. As a society, we must do everything possible to protect our children. I will continue dedicating my time to covering these cases and raising awareness. Independent journalism has a responsibility to inform the public, including about crimes involving children and the efforts to protect them. We owe tremendous thanks to the officers, detectives and investigators doing this difficult work, often without recognition, and to organizations such as the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and Tim Tebow Foundation. The full State Police release and booking photos are in the graphic. The charges remain allegations. #RhodeIsland #StatePolice #CrimesAgainstChildren #BreakingNews #fyp - @thatguy__401