FARMINGTON — A former Eustis resident charged with unlawful sexual contact against a 4-year-old girl had his bail set at $2,500 today in Franklin County Court.

David Rhoades, 45, now of Taftville, Conn., left Maine in 2008 after an investigation began into whether he inappropriately touched the girl and told her it was a secret, according to court documents. Rhoades was arrested two weeks ago after a traffic stop in Connecticut.

The girl told police that Rhoades inappropriately touched her five times between 2004 and 2008.

Rhoades was indicted on one count of unlawful sexual contact in Franklin County in 2008. He was previously convicted of sexually assaulting a child in 2006, according to court documents.

The case was initiated by a Department of Health and Human Services referral.

Lt. David St. Laurent of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department said that after he interviewed the girl, he went to Rhoades’ home but was unable to find him. Neighbors told St. Laurent that Rhoades was visiting Connecticut, according to the documents.

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St. Laurent visited the house for several days, each time finding lights on, new trash by the door and was told by local residents that they had seen Rhoades in the area since the officer had been looking for him, according to the documents.

St. Laurent said in the records that it was difficult to track Rhoades because he did not stay in one place long.

Rhoades faces a class B felony charge of unlawful sexual contact with a child under the age of 12.

Rhoades was also arrested on two warrants for failing to appear in court for two charges of operating a vehicle after suspension. Rhoades’ total bail of $2,500 includes $2,000 for unlawful sexual contact and $500 for the two charges of failing to appear.

As of late today, Rhoades had not posted bail, according to a Franklin County jail corrections officer.

Kaitlin Schroeder — 861-9252
kschroeder@mainetoday.com


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