Full question:
My 12-year-old child was raped by a man in the neighborhood. He is being harbored by his girlfriend who is aware of the heinous crime he did. Does the courts in Rhode Island take action against people who harbor such criminals?
- Category: Criminal
- Subcategory: Statutory Rape
- Date:
- State: Rhode Island
Answer:
Yes, Rhode Island law does take action against individuals who harbor those accused of serious crimes, including child molestation. Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-37-8.2.1, it is a felony to harbor someone convicted of first-degree child molestation if the person knows that the offender is not complying with legal requirements. This includes:
- Withholding information from law enforcement about the offender's non-compliance.
- Harboring or assisting in harboring the offender.
- Concealing or assisting in concealing the offender.
- Providing false information to law enforcement about the offender.
The penalties for such actions can include up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to five thousand dollars. In this case, the girlfriend of the offender could face these penalties for allowing him to reside with her while knowing about his crime.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.