Concord Sex Offender Masturbated Near Kids At Cafe: Police

CONCORD, NH — A Concord sex offender was arrested Wednesday after police said he masturbated at a city cafe while staring at a child. Rob Powers (pictured), 56, was charged with indecent exposure and disorderly conduct. Concord police said "similar incidents" have been reported in nearby communities and officers are investigating if Powers was involved in those.

The Concord incident happened July 29 at about 9 a.m. at a Fort Eddy Road cafe, according to Concord police Lieutenant Sean Ford. A witness called police and said Powers had been "touching himself" while staring at a child, with other children around, Ford said in a statement. Officers reviewed surveillance footage of the cafe, identified Powers as the suspect and arrested him Wednesday, Ford said.

"Concord Police are working closely with other local law enforcement agencies regarding similar incidents in other communities," Ford added.

Anyone with information in this case is asked to contact Concord police at 603-230-3728.

Powers has a long criminal history dating back to at least 1980. He was convicted of raping a child in 1994 and indecent exposure in 2011 — requiring him to register as a sex offender. He has also been arrested and charged with drug possession, assault, burglary and resisting arrest.

Photo credit: Concord Police Department