Rhode Island talk show host arrested in Warwick on trespassing charge

WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) — Rhode Island talk show host John DePetro was taken into custody Tuesday night following a livestream on social media.

The radio host was filming a Facebook Live outside a home that was previously investigated in relation to the disappearance of Charlotte Lester on Staples Avenue in Warwick, when he was arrested.

Warwick police confirmed that DePetro was charged with willful trespassing and was released on a summons. His court date is scheduled for Sept. 1.

“We can continue to search for answers into the disappearance of Charlotte Lester. We will offer a vigorous courtroom defense and I expect to be fully exonerated at trial where we will call the owner of the home to the stand,” DePetro said in a statement to ABC 6 News.

Lester of East Greenwich has been missing since May. The home outside where DePetro was arrested was taped off for several weeks after police said Lester was known to frequent the home.