Man Accused of Molesting 13-Year-Old He Met Online

A Rhode Island man is facing charges after police say he molested a 13-year-old child he met online.

WJAR-TV reports 21-year-old Andrew DaSilva, of East Providence, was arrested Saturday. He's charged with first-degree child molestation.

East Providence police launched an investigation after a parent reported that DaSilva may have sexually assaulted her child.

During the investigation, police learned that DaSilva was also under investigation in Burrillville after he solicited what he believed was a 13-year-old child for sex over social media. The child in that case was actually an undercover officer.

On Saturday, the officer, posing as the 13-year-old, arranged to meet with DaSilva at a nearby Burger King. DaSilva fled the restaurant when officers approached him. He was apprehended nearby.

It's unclear whether DaSilva has a lawyer.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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