HOPKINTON, R.I. (WPRI) — Detectives arrested a longtime school janitor Thursday for reportedly downloading child pornography, according to R.I. State Police.
Ronald Plante, 58, of Coventry, has been charged with one count of possessing child pornography.
Police said Plante has worked as a custodian at Hope Valley Elementary School for 15 years and at the North Kingstown Free Library for the last 10 years.
Detectives searched Plante’s home last Tuesday after learning he had downloaded child pornography.
Police said Plante turned himself in Thursday. Plante was arraigned and released on $20,000 personal recognizance and ordered to not have any unsupervised contact with children.
It doesn’t appear that Plante was inappropriately involved with any students or library patrons at this time.
Plante is currently on administrative leave, according to Chariho Superintendent Gina Picard.
“The district remains committed to providing safe and nurturing learning environments for all our students,” Picard said in a statement. “All staff are expected to adhere to the highest ethical practices and conduct aligned with our core values and we condemn and will not tolerate behaviors that compromise the safety of our children and the integrity of our district.”
Anyone who has additional information regarding Plante is urged to contact the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force at (401) 921-1170.
