Former Middletown Naval Pilot Admits To Child Abuse Charges

MIDDLETOWN, RI—A former Navy pilot stationed at the Naval War College in Newport pleaded guilty to charges of coercion and child pornography in Rhode Island federal court on Thursday.

According to a press release from U.S. Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Ronald Zenga, 44, formerly of Middletown, pleaded guilty to one count of enticement of a minor with intent to engage in sexual activity and three charges related to possessing and distributing child pornography. The charges stem from his behavior while actively serving in and following his retirement from active service with the U.S. Navy in 2017.

Prosecutors say Zenga used a Russian website to communicate with a law enforcement agent in the United Kingdom and graphically describe an ongoing sexual encounter with a child in September 2018.

"On October 17, 2018, HSI agents and members of the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force executed a federal court authorized search of Zenga’s Middletown residence," said the press release. "Forensic previews of Zenga’s electronic devices resulted in the discovery of emails and files of child pornography allegedly shared, received and possessed by Zenga."

Zenga had previously pleaded not guilty to eight charges and now faces up to life in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for February 2.