Man Charged with Child Molestation for Alleged Rape of 13-Year-Old Newport Girl

NEWPORT, RI—An 18-year-old Providence man is facing charges of first-degree child molestation for the alleged rape of a 13-year-old girl plied with alcohol and marijuana in Newport earlier this month.

Jaquan B. Johnson, of 103 Vanderwater St., Providence, and formerly of Girard Avenue in Newport, was arrested by Newport police and members of the U.S. Marshals Violent Fugitive Task Force in Providence on Thursday after an investigation into the alleged Aug. 18 rape.

Newport Police Sgt. Corey Huck said that the Newport girl reported the alleged rape and said she was provided with marijuana and alcohol before she was assaulted.

Detectives were able to establish probable cause and got a warrant for Johnson and another man, 18, who was believed to be staying in Providence, Huck said.

On Thursday, Newport detectives and task force members went to Vanderwater Street in Providence and located Johnson, who was arrested without incident.

He was arraigned on one count of first-degree child molestation and was ordered held without bail as a probation violator.

In June, Johnson pleaded no contest to numerous charges in connection with the destruction and looting of a cash machine at the Festival Field apartment complex. He was sentenced to one year at the Adult Correctional Institutions in Cranston, suspended, and one year of probation.

In March, court records show Johnson pleaded no contest to a disorderly conduct charge filed by Newport police and was assigned 10 hours of community service and six months of probation.

For the molestation charge, Johnson is due to return to court on Aug. 30 for a status conference.