Suspect in Robbery Now Faces Child Rape Charge

WEYMOUTH, MA — An ex-Scituate man whose mother's murder made headlines over a decade ago and faces charges in a robbery that took place in April now faces child rape charges.

Phillip L. Attardi, 47, was arraigned in Hingham District Court Monday on charges of statutory child rape and possession of heroin (subsequent offense), according to the Patriot Ledger. He was ordered held on $50,000 bail and had his bail for the robbery case revoked.

The arrest came earlier this month after a girl told her therapist that she was the victim of sexual abuse from Attardi, according to a police report. The girl told police that the abuse started when she was 3 years old and last happened in September.

Attardi faces charges in Norfolk Superior court for an April incident after police say he was seen trying to drive away from the scene of an armed robbery at a hotel on Route 3A.

Attardi's mother, Catherine Menkell, was brutally murdered by Gregory Wall in 2002.

He is due back in court for the rape case on Nov. 29.

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