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Marco Island firefighter arrested for sending obscene photos to underage girl

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A Marco Island firefighter was arrested Thursday on multiple felony violations, according to a statement by Marco Island Fire Rescue Department Chief Michael Murphy.

Nicholas Macchiarolo, 26, was taken into custody by the Collier County Sheriff’s Office. He has also been placed on administrative leave.

Macchiarolo faces charges of obscene communication with a minor. The victim says he sent her inappropriate messages on Snapchat, including pictures of his genitals. Macchiarolo, however, claims he thought the girl was 21.

One parent living on Marco Island, who did not want to be identified, said it’s scary raising a child in today’s digital world.

“My child is very young but I’ve already made a commitment to do my best to stay ahead of the newest thing. I feel like if you can stay ahead of them, maybe you can somehow educate them more on safety and being responsible and all of the factors that go into the privilege of having social media,” they said.

Macchiarolo is expected to make his first court appearance before a judge Saturday at 10 a.m.

Read the full statement by Chief Murphy below:

“On May 4, 2018, Marco Island Firefighter / EMT N. Macchiarolo was arrested for multiple felony violations by the Collier County Sheriff’s Office. The Marco Island Fire Rescue Department takes very seriously the conduct of its employees. We are fully cooperating with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office in reference to this investigation. Macchiarolo has been placed on unpaid administrative leave.”

The department says this is an active investigation.

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