Log in to WRAL.com with one click using your favorite social network:
OR
Log in using your WRAL.com account:



Wrong email/password combination.

Forgot password?

Register with WRAL.com using your favorite social network:
OR
Register for a WRAL.com account using our web form.

1:51 a.m. • 5-18-13

Weather Forecast for Raleigh

  • Today: Thunderstorm.
    • Hi: 82° F
  • Sun: Thunderstorm.
    • Hi: 78° F
  • Mon: Thunderstorm.
    • Hi: 80° F

Other Locations

> 7 Day Forecast

Doppler Image

Published: 2004-05-25 12:20:00
Updated: 2004-05-25 12:20:00

Circus Clown Arrested On Sexual Exploitation Charges


thomas-riccio
thomas-riccio
print friendly

Fayetteville police have arrested 23 year-old Thomas Allen Riccio -- who performs as a clown with the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey circus -- on 10 counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor.

Investigators said they found images of young girls performing sex acts on Riccio's computer.

The circus visited the Cumberland County Crown Coliseum last week.

Circus officials had no comment, other than to say they do not condone the behavior.

"This is a criminal matter that is under investigation," the company said in a press release. "While the company does not have any further information on this matter, it does not condone any type of criminal behavior."


0 Comments


WRAL.com welcomes your comments on this story. All comments are moderated prior to publication based on our posting guidelines. Please review them prior to posting and if your message is not approved.

View Comments 0 COMMENTS

This story is closed for comments. Comments on WRAL.com news stories are accepted and moderated between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Friday.

View Comments 0 COMMENTS