Portsmouth Police have arrested a 56-year-old Rhode Island man on charges of indecent solicitation of a minor.
Michael Collins of Harrisville was taken into custody at his home on April 7 around 6:33 a.m., according to a statement on the Portsmouth Police Department’s Facebook page.
The arrest comes after the Portsmouth Police Detective Division investigated a report of inappropriate contact with a 14-year-old juvenile living in Portsmouth.
During their investigation, detectives uncovered evidence, including online communications between Collins and the young victim.
Based on the evidence collected, police obtained an arrest warrant. The Rhode Island Violent Fugitive Task Force apprehended Collins without incident and brought him to the Portsmouth Police Department for processing.
Collins appeared in the 2nd Division District Court for arraignment on the charge of Indecent Solicitation of a Minor. He was released on $5,000 personal recognizance with specific conditions.
As part of his bail terms, Collins is not allowed to have contact with minors or use the internet, smartphones, or computers.
Full Statement
Individual Charged with Soliciting a Minor
Portsmouth, RI — (April 10, 2025) — On April 7, 2025, at approximately 6:33 a.m., Michael Collins, 56, of Harrisville, RI, was taken into custody at his residence following an investigation by the Portsmouth Police Detective Division into a report of indecent solicitation of a juvenile.
Investigators developed information indicating that Collins had been soliciting inappropriate contact with a 14-year-old juvenile residing in Portsmouth. During the course of the investigation, detectives obtained several items of evidentiary value, including online communications between Collins and the juvenile victim.
Based on the evidence, an arrest warrant was secured, and the Rhode Island Violent Fugitive Task Force apprehended Collins without incident. He was subsequently transported to the Portsmouth Police Department for processing.
Collins was arraigned in the 2nd Division District Court on the charge of Indecent Solicitation of a Minor and released on $5,000 personal recognizance. As conditions of his bail, he is prohibited from having contact with minors and from using the internet, smartphones, or computers.
