Retired Smithfield Pastor Charged With Child Molestation: Police

SMITHFIELD, RI — A 75-year-old former pastor at the Ocean City Baptist Church has been charged with second-degree child molestation, Smithfield police said on Friday.

Smithfield police said a female known to Archie Emerson accused Emerson of molesting her when she was between the ages of 6 and 11. Police said they received an arrest warrant and search warrant for Emerson's residence. Police said computers and related items were taken from the residence and Emerson was placed under arrest without incident.

Emerson was arraigned at the Third District Court in Warwick where bail was set at $50,000 personal recognizance. He is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 30 to answer the charge.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact Smithfield police at 401-233-1036.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Information for this article was supplied by the Smithfield Police Department. Patch follows a name removal policy for those listed in its published police reports.