NORRIDGEWOCK, Maine — A registered sex offender is facing charges after a reported assault on a 10-year-old boy, police said.
Joseph Handley, 66, of Norridgewock, has a prior conviction of sexual abuse of a minor, according to Chief Deputy Dale Lancaster of the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office.
Police had received a complaint that the victim had been sexually assaulted in Norridgewock on Dec. 19, according to Lancaster.
Detective Jeremy Leal’s investigation revealed that the abuse had taken place over the course of several years at Handley’s Norridgewock residence, Lancaster said.
On Thursday, Handley was charged by Leal with unlawful sexual contact, a Class C felony, and unlawful sexual touching, a Class D misdemeanor.
Additional charges are possible as the Somerset County District Attorney’s office reviews the case, Lancaster said. Handley is due in court on March 5.
To reach a sexual assault advocate, call the Statewide Sexual Assault Crisis and Support Line at 800-871-7741, TTY 888-458-5599. This free and confidential 24-hour service is accessible from anywhere in Maine. Calls are automatically routed to the closest sexual violence service provider.
