Warren Little League Coach Accused Of Child Porn Possession

WARREN, RI — A longtime Warren Little League coach is accused of possessing child pornography. Michael "Bird" Witherell was arrested Tuesday by members of the Rhode Island State Police's Computer Crimes Unit and Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

Witherell, 59, has coached kids aged 10 to 12 in the town's Little League program for four decades. From 1982 to 2014, he also coached the East Bay Warriors Pop Warner football program, for ages 10 t0 13. There is no indication that the child pornography found on Witherell's is in any way connected to these teams, state police said.

On Tuesday, police searched Witherell's Child Street apartment after receiving a cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which said that a Rhode Island resident transmitted files that contained child pornography. This was then connected to the internet connection at the apartment.

Officers seized Witherell's cell phone, computer and printed pornographic photos depicting children. The phone and computer are still being investigated.

"This investigation is ongoing and anyone with further information regarding Mr. Witherell is encouraged to contact the Rhode Island State Police/Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force at 401-921-1170," Detective Commander Major Timothy G. Sanzi said.

Witherell was arraigned on charges of possession of child pornography Wednesday. If found guilty, he faces up to five years in jail and a fine of $5,000.

Mr. Witherell will be arraigned on the charges at Sixth Division District Court this afternoon. A person found guilty of Possession of Child Pornography may be subject to a fine of not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000), or imprisoned not more than five (5) years, or both.