Man who owns home connected to Charlotte Lester case faces assault charges

WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) — Warwick police said Thursday that a man who owns a home recently connected to the case of missing Charlotte Lester has been charged with assault.

Mark Perkins, 62, was arrested on Wednesday at his home on Staples Avenue after police got a call for a disturbance.

Perkins, who was wearing an orange ski mask, allegedly started his lawnmower while charging at radio host John DePetro.

At the time, DePetro had been streaming a Facebook Live about the disappearance of Lester outside the Warwick home, who has been reported missing since May.

Warwick police cruisers sit in the driveway of a home on Staples Avenue, Monday, May 23, 2022. (WLNE)

Earlier this year, police executed a court-authorized search warrant at the home, where Lester was known to frequent. In June, police “released the house,” from the investigation.

DePetro told police that Perkins said he would “kill him” and took his cellphone before going inside the home.

Police said they found DePetro’s phone while doing a search of the home.

Perkins was charged with assault with intent to commit specified felonies, larceny, vandalism, and disorderly conduct.