Army colonel at War College indicted on child porn charges

(Harrisburg) — A colonel at the Army War College in Cumberland County who last year was charged in county court with possession of child pornography is now facing federal charges.

A federal grand jury in Harrisburg today indicted Col. Robert J. Rice for possession and distribution of child pornography over the Internet.

The 56-year-old colonel is stationed at the Army War College in Carlisle. He was charged by in Cumberland County authorities in April 2013 with 120 counts of possession of child pornography.

The charges stem from an investigation by county prosecutors and federal authorities.

Defense attorney Joseph Caraciolo has previously said his client was innocent and the images were placed on the computer by his wife as blackmail in their divorce settlement. She has firmly denied the allegation in court.