Colonel James M. Manni, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police and Director of the Department of Public Safety, announces that eight additional charges of first-degree sexual assault have been filed against a former assistant Catholic chaplain at a Boy Scout summer camp who was arrested last month for allegedly sexual assaulting a disabled 18-year-old male.
James Glawson, age 74, of 101 Widow Sweets Road, Exeter, today was charged with:
• Eight counts of first-degree sexual assault
• One count of possession of child pornography
“During the course of the ongoing criminal investigation, more victims have come forward, resulting in the additional charges that were filed today,” Colonel Manni said. “We want to stress that this is an ongoing investigation and we ask anyone else who may have information and/or additional complaints to contact the Rhode Island State Police Detective Division at 401-764-5346.”
The new charges were filed earlier today when Mr. Glawson was brought to Fourth Division District Court for a status hearing in connection with his previous arrest last month.
Mr. Glawson was first arrested on February 14, 2019, following an investigation by members of the Rhode Island State Police Detective Division into allegations that Mr. Glawson had allegedly sexually abused an 18-year-old disabled male on numerous occasions over a period of several years.
He was charged with three counts of first-degree sexual assault and one count of second-degree sexual assault, and he was ordered held without bail at the Adult Correctional Institutions.
During the course of their investigation, detectives learned that Mr. Glawson had been affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America since 1980. He also had served as an assistant Catholic chaplain and Eucharistic minister at the St. John Bosco Chapel at Yawgoog Scout Reservation, a summer camp in Hopkinton that is run by the Narragansett Council of the Boy Scouts of America, from 2012 to 2018. In addition, Mr. Glawson is affiliated with St. Bernard Church in North Kingstown and the Immaculate Conception Church in Westerly.
At the time of his initial arrest, detectives sought additional information and complaints in connection with their investigation. Over the past month, additional alleged victims have come forward, resulting in the new charges filed today. He was ordered held without bail on the new charges, as well.
As of today, Mr. Glawson now faces a total of 11 counts of first-degree sexual assault, one count of second-degree sexual assault, and one count of possession of child pornography.
Colonel Manni stressed that this is an ongoing criminal investigation, with the assistance of the Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General. The Diocese of Providence and the Boy Scouts of America also have been cooperating with the investigation.
Peg Langhammer, Executive Director of Day One, a support and advocacy group for victims of sexual abuse and violence, said her agency is available as a resource for anyone impacted by this case. “Day One is here for victims no matter when the abuse occurred,” she said. “The most important thing for victims to know is that they are not alone. We are here to help you choose your next steps and navigate the process. We’re here to listen and support you in any way.”
Colonel Manni encouraged anyone with information and/or complaints related to this investigation to call the Rhode Island State Police Detective Division at 401-764-5346.
