NORTH SMITHFIELD – Twin brothers investigated for video voyeurism in October, after one was found trying to take pictures of naked people in their homes, are now being charged with possession of child pornography.
Mikhail Randall and Danil Randall, both 20, of North Smithfieid are facing the new felony charges this week after police say they discovered images and videos of minors on the brother’s on digital media.
Police first encountered Mikhail while responding to a call reporting a suspicious vehicle in the area of the power lines near Iron Mine Hill Road on October 18. The suspect reportedly told police that he was looking for individuals who may be undressed, in their underwear or engaged in sexual activity to photograph.
Mikhail’s camera allegedly contained several videos and images of people inside their homes, along with images of young women playing sports.
The discovery led police to seize computers and storage devices from the brother’s home, and charge Mikhail with voyeurism and disorderly conduct. Danil was also charged with disorderly conduct at the time.
According to the Rhode Island State Police Computer Crimes Unit, the devices also contained child pornography.
North Smithfield Police arrested the Randall brothers on Thursday, April 23, charging both with possession of child pornography.
The brothers were arraigned and each released on $20,000 personal recognizance for the latest charge, and both were barred from contact with juveniles, and from using the internet, smartphones or computers.
Mikhail’s initial charges are still pending, with a pre-arraignment conference set for July 21. Danil pleaded no contest in March to the charge of disorderly conduct from October, and was ordered to undergo court-guided counseling.
Both are due back in court on July 23 for a pre-arraignment on the child pornography charges.
