Judge dismisses Richard Gardner’s probation violation, releases him

By: Alana Cerrone 

Email: news@abc6.com

Twitter: @ABC6

WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) – Child rapist Richard Gardner is a free man – again – after spending the last several weeks behind bars. 

Gardner was due in court for a probation violation for putting down the wrong address on his marriage license. Witnesses were set to testify in the matter – but that wasn’t necessary, after the state and Gardner’s attorney came to an agreement on the facts.

The judge says the violation wasn’t justified, and he thinks his arrest had more to do with Gardner’s past – being convicted and having served thirty years for kidnapping and brutally raping children in the 1980s. He says anyone other than Gardner wouldn’t have been charged for that offense.

Gardner’s probation violation was dismissed. The misdemeanor charges against him were also dismissed, and he was released.

Cranston Police say they accept the judge’s decision.

Gardner’s attorney, Robert Mann, says Gardner will stay in Providence for now, and is doing his best to find a job.

©WLNE-TV / ABC6 2018