Andrea Piscina, a former radio host, has been sentenced to six years in prison for producing child pornography and committing sexual violence against minors. The 25-year-old, who was arrested on June 13, 2023, faced the charges following alarming reports from the mother of one victim, which spurred extensive investigations by the authorities.
The case was led by public prosecutor Giovanni Tarzia and was adjudicated by Judge Roberto Crepaldi, who delivered the verdict on December 19, 2024. The investigation revealed disturbing details about Piscina’s methods of grooming young boys and girls on social media platforms.
According to reports, Piscina lured minors under false identities these included names like “Alessia,” “Anna,” and “Sara.” He encouraged them to engage in explicit video calls, which he later recorded. During the court proceedings, Piscina acknowledged his abusive actions, marking the first step toward taking responsibility for his conduct.
The inquiry began during the summer of 2023 when the mother of one boy noticed unusual behaviors and reported her concerns. Authorities, through their investigations, initially identified one victim, but later discovered over 1,000 images of children aged 9 to 14 on Piscina’s devices. The incriminatory evidence prompted investigators to pinpoint additional victims connected to his role as an animator at the sports club.
Represented by attorney Valentina Di Maro, Piscina didn’t have physical contact with minors, emphasizing during the trial, "I’ve never had physical contact with minors; the violence occurred only over social networks..." His defense has aimed to portray him as someone grappling with personal issues, and the legal proceedings brought attention to those struggles.
Following his arrest, RTL 102.5, the radio station where he worked, expressed its shock and disbelief at the nature of the allegations. The station made the decision to suspend Piscina immediately citing the serious nature of the charges and the need for caution.
Despite the severe accusations, Judge Crepaldi recognized certain mitigating factors during sentencing, granting Piscina some leniency. The prosecutor had recommended a nine-year sentence, but the final ruling was three years less. The judge both acknowledged Piscina's acceptance of his disorder and granted him the opportunity for rehabilitation.
During the post-verdict comments, Di Maro reflected on Piscina’s path toward recovery, stating, "Our victory is the fact Andrea has recognized he's suffering from a disorder and has embarked on a recovery path...The real victory is recognizing the problem, and we will work on his healing."
Piscina has been undergoing therapy for his issues as part of the sentencing terms, striving to confront and understand the underlying causes of his defiance against societal norms.
The case has reverberated through the community, especially impacting the family of Piscina, who is the brother of Samuele Piscina, a councilor for the Lega party, who distanced himself entirely from the situation. This has illuminated the broader conversations on the seriousness of child exploitation and the protective measures needed within youth organizations.
With the disturbing details of Piscina’s actions now public, the case has highlighted the vulnerabilities present within social networks and the need for vigilant monitoring of interactions involving minors. Community leaders are urged to implement stricter guidelines to prevent similar incidents from occurring, advocating for both legal and social means of support for victims.
Andrea Piscina's sentencing serves as both a cautionary tale and a call to action, underscoring the pressing need for proactive measures to safeguard children from potential predators. The long-term effects of these crimes extend far beyond individual victims, impacting families and communities and necessitating unwavering commitment to prevention and recovery efforts.
