Rape Charges Added For Cape Man Who Used Sexual Assault As Punishment For Poor Vape Sales

HARWICH, MA — A Harwich man previously arraigned for sexual assaults on three victims had more than 30 charges added after a grand jury indictment late last week.

Barry Viprino, 43 years old, of Harwich, was indicted by a grand jury for his role relating to abuse reported by seven separate victims in Harwich on various dates between May 2023 through November 2023.

He was indicted on: one count of aggravated rape, 19 counts of rape and other charges including kidnapping, assault with a dangerous weapon and indecent assault and battery on a person over 14.

Viprino was first arraigned in November 2023 on 11 counts of rape with three victims that had come forward. After, four others came forward with their stories, leading to the additional charges against him.

In November, officials shared details from three victims about Viprino's treatment of them.

Victim One

According to officials, the Harwich Police Department became aware of allegations of sexual assault in August 2023 from the first victim.

Through the course of their investigation, two additional victims came forward in October and November 2023.

In August 2023, victim one was in a detached garage and office space at Viprino's residence. Viprino is alleged to have locked the door before lifting his shirt to reveal "what appeared to be a gun," before instructing the victim to remove her clothes and lay down on the couch.

"Out of fear, the victim complied, and it is alleged that [Viprino] sexually assaulted her," the DA's Office said.

Victim Two

In August 2023, it is alleged that Viprino also sexually assaulted the second victim in the same wing of his home.

Over the next several weeks, it is alleged that Viprino repeatedly threatened and coerced this victim to "submit to sexual acts at his office garage or at Victim 2’s house," officials said.

It is alleged that Viprino also forced the victim to sell vape pods for him to her underage friends, and would punish her with sexual assaults if she did not sell enough pods or if she otherwise got into trouble or fights, officials said.

Victim Three

The third victim met Viprino while she was at the second victim's house, officials said.

Viprino then took this victim back to his office and garage area, locked the door, and it is alleged that Viprino then forcefully sexually assaulted her, the DA's Office said.

During the assault, it is alleged that Viprino told the victim that this would happen at least three times a week and, that if she didn't "follow the rules, she would be in trouble," officials said.

The DA's Office said Viprino sexually assaulted this victim on at least two subsequent occasions at the second victim's house and his office garage space.

Members of the Harwich Police Department executed a search warrant on Viprino's office garage space in September 2023.

Inside, police located various high-capacity magazines and the owner’s manual to a "specific type of firearm," officials said.

Viprino will be arraigned in the Barnstable Superior Court on March 12.