Man charged with statutory rape at Bristol Town Beach

While conducting a routine patrol at the Town Beach, a Bristol officer came upon a suspicious scene that has resulted in multiple statutory rape charges.

Officer Tyler Carreiro was patrolling the parking lot at Town Beach at 4:20 p.m. when he spotted a gray station wagon with the engine running and what looked like two people inside. The officer “felt something was not right,” so he investigated further, according to Capt. Brian Burke.

As Officer Carreiro approached the car, he reportedly saw two people engaged in a sex act in the driver’s seat, one of whom quickly jumped to the passenger seat.

Rafael P. Leal, 38, of 38 Thelma Road, Apt. 1, Boston, was buttoning his pants when Officer Carreiro arrived at the driver’s side window, according to reports. Mr. Leal reportedly told the officer the girl with him is a friend who is 19, then quickly corrected himself, saying she is 18. Officer Carreiro determined the girl is actually between 14 and 16, under the age of sexual consent in Rhode Island.

Investigating further, the officer discovered the pair met on the social media website Instagram, and had been communicating for about four months. They had reportedly met in Bristol eight times and once in Warren over that span, resulting in multiple charges for Mr. Leal.

He is charged with eight counts of third degree sexual assault - statutory rape, and three counts of disorderly conduct - indecent exposure. He is also charged with third degree sexual assault in Warren. He was remanded to the ACI. His next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 25.

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