Crime & Safety

First-Degree Molestation Charges for Portsmouth Man Caught with 13-Year-Old

26-year-old Portsmouth man allegedly had sex with a 13-year-old girl from Fall River, Mass.

Portsmouth Police charged a 26-year-old Portsmouth man with first degree child molestation after he was caught with a 13-year-old female in a car at the Common Fence Point Playground on March 29.

Police said John E. Tingstad, 26, of 20 Attleboro Ave., was held overnight and arraigned this morning in Second Division District Court. He was ordered held without bail at the Adult Correctional Institutions in Cranston and the case will be referred to the state Attorney General's Office.

Police said police saw a car parked on the grassy area of the playground at around 11:10 p.m.. Police approached the vehicle and saw Tingstad inside along with a Fall River, Mass.-girl who said she was 13.

Police conducted an investigation that concluded Tingstad had sexual intercourse with the girl, police said.


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