Angry neighbors flock to child rapist’s home after community meeting

If there was any doubt residents in the Washington Park section of Providence were upset about their new neighbor, a notorious child rapist, that was erased on Wednesday night as they went old school and a mob marched to his home to let him know as bluntly as possible he’s not wanted there.

Richard Gardner was convicted of kidnapping and brutally raping children in the 1980’s and served 30 years behind bars.

Gardner is now living in Washington Park in a relative’s home with his fiance, and residents are clearly outraged he was allowed to move there in the first place.

Neighbors were not notified as Gardner’s conviction predates Megan’s Law. 

The night started with an informational meeting with Providence Police and several politicians to figure out how they all can live safely with Gardner in the neighborhood.

Major David Lapatin with Providence Police promised residents that the department will do everything in its power to make sure residents are safe, and that they’re not happy with Gardner moving in either.

For now, Lapatin said there’s nothing officers can do about it, and Gardner will be living there.

“The law says right now that that gentleman can live where he chooses to live,” he said.

But police, along with politicians, were put through the ringer as angry shouts from the crowd continue to echo in the community center’s gymnasium.

Police told residents tat Gardner must register with police, which he did, and not be within 300 feet of a school. But Gardner can go to the library right next to the community center where there is a daycare.

Maj. Lapatin said daycares do not constitute schools unless it offers a pre-k program.

Gardner will have no curfew, so he can leave his home whenever he wants, he does not have to wear a GPS bracelet, although Providence Police requested it, and he can hang Halloween decorations outside his home.

“Kids are not safe,” said Washington Park resident Roberto Capellan. “I’ve been in this community for about 25 years and this is the most people I’ve seen together.”

“I’d like to see [Gardner] move out of the neighborhood,” said resident Pedro Espinao.

Mayor Jorge Elorza also addressed the rowdy crowd, saying Gardner should not even be in the city.

“What this guy has done goes too far,” Elorza said. “He does not belong in our city, he does not belong in our community.”

As the crowd unified, they left the meeting and went straight to Gardner’s home where they banged on the front door, shined lights in his windows, and chanted for him to get out of town.

“We have a monster scumbag that they let move down the street from us,” said Jesse Andrea, who lives just a few houses down from Gardner. “We’re going to come back every night and it’s only going to get worse and worse and worse.”

“I’ve been here 20 years and I can’t see him being around 5,000 kids,” said Washington Park resident Douglas Sylvia.

Mayor Elorza and Maj. Lapatin told residents that a patrol will be monitoring Gardner around the clock.

Maj. Lapatin said it will not only be for the safety of kids in the area, but for Gardner’s safety as well.