Level 3 Sex Offender Accused Of Kidnapping 2 Cambridge Girls

CAMBRIDGE, MA — A level 3 convicted sex offender, Lionel Ivan Braithwaite Jr, was arraigned on kidnapping charges in Cambridge District Court Tuesday. Prosecutors said he tried to kidnap two pre-teen sisters last week and threatened to shoot them if they did not follow him.

Today, he was charged with two counts of kidnapping, two counts of threats and two counts of witness intimidation He is held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing scheduled for March 1. He is also held on a probation detainer, according to the District Attorney's office.

Police arrested the 52-year-old homeless man Saturday after a Cambridge Police officer on patrol in Central Square spotted him. He was convicted of aggravated rape in 2003.

Police had released video of the man walking with the two girls in hopes of getting the public's help in identifying the suspect, Patch reported earlier. The girls told police they were walking together at approximately 5:30 p.m. when they were approached by a man they had not seen before in the area of Pleasant Street and Auburn Street.

The man asked for directions and then grabbed one of the sisters by the arm. He then proceeded to hold on to the girl and take the sisters down several streets and then stopped at what police believed was Salem Street.

He asked the sisters if they wanted to go down an alley with him, and when the sisters said no, the man told them he was sorry, and let go of the girl. And the sisters were able to run away.

Related:

• Girls Report Strangers Grabbing, Following Them
• Video Of Man Accused Of Grabbing Girl In Cambridge
• Homeless Man Arrested Following Attempted Kidnapping

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Photo courtesy MA Sex Offender Registry