More Child Sex Charges Against RI Boy Scout Leader

EXETER, RI — A former Boy Scout chaplain is facing three additional sexual assault and child molestation charges, Rhode Island State Police said Wednesday. James Glawson, 74, of Exeter has been charged with a total 16 child molestation and sexual assault-related crimes since February. On Wednesday, Glawson was charged with one count of first-degree sexual assault, one count of first-degree child molestation and one count of second-degree child molestation.

Glawson was first arrested on February 14 following reports that he had sexually assaulted a disabled 18-year-old man over the course of several years. In April, state police announced nine additional charges.

"These new charges resulted from interviews with additional alleged victims who have come forward since Mr. Glawson was initially arrested," Rhode Island State Police Colonel Manni said in a statement.

From 1980 until 2018, Glawson was a part of the Boy Scouts of America, serving as a chaplain and Eucharistic minister at the St. John Bosco Catholic Chapel at the Yawgoog Boy Scout camp in Hopkinton from 2012 through 2018. Glawson was also an active member of the St. Bernard Church in North Kingstown and the Immaculate Conception Church in Westerly.

As with the previous announcement, Col. Manni stressed that the investigation is ongoing. The new charges came after several witnesses came forward.

"This is an active, ongoing investigation," Manni said. "We continue to pursue all leads and will bring additional charges, if warranted. We strongly encourage anyone who may have information and/or additional complaints related to this individual and/or this investigation to call the Rhode Island State Police Detective Division at 401-764-5346."

In Rhode Island, there is no statute of limitations for reporting first-degree sexual assault and first- or second-degree child molestation. State Police say several of the victims reported the abuse happened during the 1980's, when the victims met Glawson through his Boy Scout involvement.

Glawson faces a total of 16 charges: 12 counts of first-degree sexual assault, two counts of second-degree sexual assault, one count of first-degree child molestation and one count of possession of child pornography.

If convicted, Glawson could face a life sentence. He was arraigned for the additional charges on Wednesday in Fourth Division District Court in Wakefield during a status hearing on the past charges. He was ordered to continue to be held without bail at the ACI in Cranston.

State Police said the Boy Scouts of America and the Diocese of Providence are cooperating with the investigation.

Anyone with information related to the investigation is encouraged to contact the State Police Detective Division at 401-764-5346. Day One, a group for victims of sexual assault, has been offering support to the victims. Anyone in need of help can call 401-421-4100 ext. 138.

READ MORE:

• Former Boy Scout Leader Charged With Sexual Assault
• Former Boy Scout Leader Facing Nine Additional Sex Abuse Charges