Local News

School security guard accused of soliciting teen boy for sex

Police have charged a Providence school security guard.

North Kingstown, R.I. (AP) — Police have charged a Providence school security guard with trying to solicit a teenage boy for sex.

Authorities on Friday announced the arrest of 62-year-old Anthony Padula, of West Warwick.

Police say they apprehended Padula as he responded to a location where he expected to meet a 14-year-old boy.

He was arraigned at the state police barracks in Wickford and charged with indecent solicitation of a child. He is to appear in District Court in Warwick on Thursday.

Officials say Padula is a security guard at The Providence Center School for children with emotional and behavioral disorders. Police say there is no evidence that any students were solicited by Padula.

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Padula could not be reached for comment Saturday. A woman who answered his home phone said he was not there.