Teen Charged With Child Molestation to Remain in Custody

[updated Aug. 16 at 3:00 p.m.]

A 17-year-old Newport boy remains in custody Thursday after he appeared in Family Court Wednesday on charges of second degree child molestation.

The teenager was arrested Tuesday afternoon after he allegedly put his hands up the shorts of a 5-year-old girl at the Tender Care Learning Center, located at 38 Marcus Wheatland Blvd. He is currently being charged as a minor.

The victim reportedly told police that when the 17-year-old touched her "her private parts”, it hurt. She also drew a picture of a little girl crying because "her privates hurt."

According to corporate filings, the owners of facility, incorporated as Urban Community Impact Group, LLC., are Gregory Johnson of Newport and Peter Gallipeau of Middletown. The 17-year-old boy is Johnson's son, according to initial police reports.

In addition to the daycare, Gallipeau owns land and home development companies, a tax services and Ben’s Chili Dogs on Broadway, according to state records. 

Johnson incorporated a non-profit in December 2012 called “Your Peace of Mind, Inc.”  One of the stated purposes of the entity is “to provide daycare and support to families in dire financial straits.”  It is unknown if the non-profit is connected to Tender Care Learning Center. 

The center is one of eight DCYF licensed centers in Newport, According to the DCYF website.  The center celebrated a grand opening December 2011. 

The boy was referred to as an “unpaid intern” by facility staff members.

“I’ve never heard of the term ‘intern’ in a state facility,” said Capt. Hayes. Part of the investigation will be to look at the center’s adherence to licensing and staffing requirements, he said.

The matter is under investigation by the Newport Police Department.