PHOTOS: Convicted Pedophile Richard Gardner Marries in Cranston UPDATED
Sunday, October 21, 2018
Paroled child molester Richard Gardner has set up a conflict in Providence between those who want him out of their neighborhood -- and those arguing his rights need to be protected.
On Saturday, Gardner married in Cranston -- see photos BELOW.
A number of civil rights groups involved in criminal justice reform have issued a joint statement in response to outrage surrounding convicted sex offender Gardiner’s move to Providence. READ THEIR STATEMENT HERE
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On Wednesday night, residents gathered outside of Gardner’s house in the Washington Park area of Providence yelling “we want him out.”
Opposition to Residency
State Representative Joe Almeida wrote in a MINDSETTER™ column in GoLocal, "As a father, I am concerned as anybody else would be, with the release of convicted child rapist Mr. Richard Gardner into our Providence community. I am working to ensure all of our residents know that he will be living here and the danger that he poses."
Almeida continued, "Gardner was convicted of sexually assaulting young boys in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts. This psychopath kidnapped children and molested them repeatedly. He was eventually caught and sent to prison. Gardner was then released in 2016 but incarcerated after he violated the terms of his parole. Because of an egregious mistake made by the Massachusetts District Attorney, this deranged individual was released days ago."
On Thursday, Councilman Luis A. Aponte introduced an amendment to the Providence Code of Ordinances at the City Council meeting to codify restrictions for registered sex offenders residing in the City of Providence.
The amendment calls for stronger restrictions for sex offenders who reside in the City of Providence. It increases the distance sex offenders may reside from schools, daycares, and recreational areas from a 300-foot radius to a 500-foot radius. It also redefines the term “daycare” from a school with a certified pre-K program, to include all licensed daycare facilities that are clearly marked with at least one sign. Registered sex offenders will also be prohibited from entering or loitering within a 500-foot radius of the premises of a school, daycare center, or recreational area.
This article was first published 10/20/18 3:02 PM
Photos: Reynaldo Almonte, Latino Public Radio
