As reported by Donita Naylor in the August 4, 2014 edition of the Providence Journal, a Woonsocket man has been arrested by police and charged with impersonating an officer and enticement of children. The man allegedly offered two (2) teenagers a ride and told them he was a police officer. The teenagers ran away and called police.
Pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws 11-14-1, every person who shall falsely assume or pretend to be a judge, justice of the peace, warden, deputy sheriff, alderman, member of any city or town council, city or town clerk, city sergeant, constable, correctional officer, any other officer of any city or town in this state as well as any out-of-state police, or the attorney general, deputy attorney general, assistant or special assistant attorney general, and shall act as such, shall be imprisoned not exceeding one year or be fined not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000).
Pursuant to R.I.G.L. 11-26-1.5, enticement of a child is defined as a person shall be guilty of a felony if that person attempts to persuade, or persuades a minor child under the age of sixteen (16) years, whether by words or actions or both, with intent to engage in felonious conduct against that child to either:
(1) Leave the child's home or school;
(2) Enter a vehicle or building; or
(3) Enter an area, with the intent that the child shall be concealed from public view; while the person is acting without the authority of: (i) the custodial parent of the child, (ii) the state of Rhode Island or a political subdivision of the state, or (iii) one having legal custody of the minor child. Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to prevent the lawful detention of a minor child or the rendering of aid or assistance to a minor child.
The penalties if convicted include imprisonment for not more than five (5) years, or by a fine of not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000), or by both fine and imprisonment. Counseling may also be ordered.
If you or a family member has been charged with enticing a child, child molestation or possession of child pornography, please allow Attorney Robert H. Humphrey's reputation, experience and skill to successfully guide you through the legal process. Please contact Attorney Robert H. Humphrey, Esq., at 401-816-5862 or e-mail him at rhh@rhumphreylaw.com.