A man from Rutland has been taken into custody on multiple charges, including the rape of a child. WHDH reports that 54-year-old Shawn Baillargeon was arrested after an investigation concerning allegations of long-standing sexual assault.
According to the Rutland Police Department, the charges against Baillargeon are aggravated rape of a child, rape of a child, and indecent assault and battery on a child under 14. The details were sparse, but authorities said that complaints against Baillargeon date back several years. Baillargeon was arrested with help from the Massachusetts State Police and later arraigned at the East Brookfield District Court.
In a news release, Lieutenant Daniel Collinge of the Rutland Police Department praised the courage of the victims. "The Rutland Police Department would like to commend the bravery of the victims in this case who came forward," he stated. Boston 25 News reported Collinge asserting, "We encourage all victims of sexual abuse to come forward, and we promise to do everything in our power to offer support."
An investigation, which began on May 30, 2024, seeks to further uncover and clarify the sequence of past events involving the accused. Police officials have not divulged any additional information regarding the specific nature of the allegations against Baillargeon. They confirm that the investigation is still ongoing.
