Barrington Man, 81, Arrested for Alleged Child Molestation in 80s and 90s

BARRINGTON, RI—An 81-year-old Barrington man has been charged with multiple counts of child molestation for alleged crimes that took place about 25 years ago.

Albert L. Chapman, of 14 Chapman Lane, was arrested on Wednesday by Barrington police officers and arraigned on charges of first degree child molestation and two counts second degree child abuse in Providence Superior Court.

The arrest follows an investigation that began more than a year ago when the male victim contacted Barrington police to report the abuse.

Barrington Police Chief John LaCross said that the victim, who now lives out of state, told police in January of 2015 that he was abused by a family member in the late 80s and early 1990s in Barrington.

"Years had passed supressing this," LaCross said in an interview. "It takes a lot for a victim to come forward and address these incidents."

The investigation that followed the initial complaint included multiple interviews and other corroborating evidence. Detectives were able to confirm information they were provided by the victim, LaCross said.

LaCross said that police took the case to a grand jury before obtaining an arrest warrant. "He's got some proof and evidence and the grand jury thought the evidence was solid to issue an arrest warrant," he said.

There is no statute of limitations for child molestation in Rhode Island.

Police said the victim was a juvenile under the age of 15 when the alleged crimes occurred.

Chapman is currently free on surety bail after pleading innocent at his arraignment. He is due to return to court on April 13 for a determination of attorney hearing and April 27 for a pretrial conference.