R.I. Human Services worker arrested for child solicitation

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – Rhode Island State Police (RISP) say they arrested a man working for the Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DPH) for child solicitation. 

Dennis J. Lopes, 64, of Hope, R.I., was arrested Friday Nov. 8 after an investigation was launched for someone allegedly sending indecent sexual material to a person they believed to be 14-years-old, according to RISP. 

As a result of the investigation, members of RISP were able to identify Lopes after he arrived to meet the minor at a predetermined location in Warwick. 

Lopes is currently employed as a Senior Resource Specialist with the individual Family Support Services section of the DPH, according to RISP.

He is facing two counts of Indecent Solicitation of a child and one count of Electronically Disseminating Indecent Material to a minor. 

Lopes was arraigned on Friday at the State Police Wickford Barracks and released on $10,000 personal recognizance.

Lopes is scheduled for a bail review at Kent County District Court on Dec. 3.