Camp counselor arrested for child porn

WESTERLY, R.I. (WPRI) -- A local YMCA camp counselor was arraigned Thursday on numerous child pornography charges.

According to police, Dana G. Gingerelli, 20, of 12 Canton St., Westerly, was arrested by members of the RI State Police Computer Crimes Unit and Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. He was arraigned on charges of possession of child porn and transmission of child porn in Fourth District Court in Wakefield.

The State Police said he had three pornographic images of a child on his smartphone.

Maureen Fitzgerald with Ocean Community YMCA confirmed Gingerelli has worked at the organization since December 2012 as a desk attendant.

Fitzgerald said Gingerelli was suspended immediately and indefinitely from all YMCA facilities and activities.

She said Gingerelli did pass a criminal background check, as all employees and volunteers for the Y must do.

Fitzgerald said she was not aware of any inappropriate behavior involving children at the Y and said the organization is cooperating with state police as they investigate.

In addition to employment at Ocean Community YMCA, the website for Camp Harrington in Worcester listed Gingerelli as a camp counselor, and year-round YMCA employee there.