Local LI band's lead singer charged with downloading child porn

The lead singer of a local band was arrested Monday and charged with allegedly downloading child pornography, officials said Thursday.

Dennis J. Grimaldi, 54, of Massapequa Park, faces six charges stemming from two incidents that occurred Oct. 23, 2018, and on Monday, according to felony complaints filed by the Nassau County District Attorney's Office.

Grimaldi is the lead singer for Uppercut, a band with a horn section that, according to its website, regularly plays local clubs, community events and festivals. 

Attempts to reach Grimaldi Thursday were unsuccessful. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which include four counts of promoting a sexual performance by a child and two counts of possessing a sexual performance by a child, according to court papers.

Authorities say Grimaldi knowingly downloaded the videos of adults having sexual relations with young children under the age of 17.

Grimaldi was at Nassau First District Court in Hempstead on Tuesday, but the case was adjourned. Bail was set at $40,000 bond or $20,000 cash, which he has not paid.

Grimaldi appeared again in court Thursday, at which time the case was postponed to give him time to retain an attorney. The next court date is Tuesday, officials said.

By Craig Schneider

craig.schneider@newsday.comScraigo

Craig Schneider is a Long Island native and Stony Brook University alumnus. He joined Newsday as a general assignment reporter in January 2018 after 20 years at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.