PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Rhode Island State Police say an assistant fire chief has been arrested for allegedly paying a juvenile to perform a sexual act.
State Police said Friday that 49-year-old Stephen Barker, who is an assistant fire chief with the National Guard Fire Department, based in Quonset, was charged with patronizing a minor for commercial sexual activity and indecent solicitation of a child.
Barker’s attorney did not immediately respond to a phone message seeking comment Friday. Barker lives in Warwick, Rhode Island.
State Police say Barker met the juvenile on Snapchat and arranged a meeting. Detectives searched Barker’s electronics and social media accounts.
Barker was arraigned and released Friday on a $5,000 surety bond. He was ordered to not contact the juvenile. His next court date is Dec. 2.
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