Police: Rutland man charged with raping a child

Shawn Baillargeon, 54, was arrested Tuesday.

A 54-year-old man was arrested Tuesday in Rutland on child rape charges, authorities announced.

Shawn Baillargeon is charged with aggravated rape of a child, rape of a child, and indecent assault and battery on a child under 14, according to the Rutland Police Department. He was taken to East Brookfield District Court for arraignment.

Police said the investigation into Baillargeon began in May when the department received more than one complaint about past sexual assaults in the town “over several years.”

“The Rutland Police Department would like to commend the bravery of the victims in this case who came forward,” police said. “We encourage all victims of sexual abuse to come forward, and we promise to do everything in our power to offer support.”

The investigation is ongoing.