Former Smithfield Pastor Charged with Child Molestation

Providence Journal
August 1, 2020

https://www.providencejournal.com/news/20200731/former-smithfield-pastor-charged-with-child-molestation

Smithfield - The retired pastor of a church in Smithfield is charged with molesting a young girl.

Police on Friday morning arrested Archie Emerson, 75, the retired pastor of Ocean State Baptist Church, on charges of second-degree child molestation.

According to a police news release, detectives had received a complaint from a person who said Emerson molested her when she was between 6 and 11 years old.

Detectives obtained a search warrant for Emerson’s home and seized computers and related items, according to the news release.

Emerson appeared later Friday in District Court, Warwick, where he was released on personal recognizance, with a no-contact order. He is due back in court on Oct. 30.

Emerson’s attorney, John E. MacDonald, on Saturday night released the following statement: “Pastor Archie Emerson has devoted his life to his family, his community and his church. He is shocked that someone would levy such horrific allegations against him. Pastor Emerson adamantly denies any inappropriate conduct and looks forward to a swift resolution of this matter in court.”