CHILD BEATEN, STRANGLED & RAPED AFTER LURED TO HYANNIS PUBLIC RESTROOM, CRIMINAL COMPLAINT SAYS…

HYANNIS, MASSACHUSETTS – [HN NOTES] –  Yesterday afternoon – Wednesday, May 1, 2024 – HN was contacted by a confidential source regarding a child who allegedly had been sexually assaulted in the vicinity of the Hyannis village green. The credible source was concerned about a disturbing, ongoing trend where children are being targeted and preyed upon by sexual predators masquerading as other children playing online games. The source wanted HN to look into the matter and hopefully publish something to serve as a warning to parents who may not realize these things are happening on Cape Cod. In short, we are not immune, and parents need to remain vigilant… HN immediately began reaching out to Barnstable Police sources and learned they had arrested a man accused of sexually assaulting a child in a public restroom in downtown Hyannis. Another source was able to obtain copies of the following criminal complaint filed in Barnstable District Court earlier in the day:     According to an official Barnstable Police media statement, on Tuesday April 30, 2024, 68-year-old Robert Russo (Girrard) “of Provincetown” (also note the above criminal complaint lists a Town of Barnstable address) was arrested for sexually assaulting a male juvenile in a public restroom in Hyannis. At around 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, Barnstable Police responded to the reported assault. Russo was identified as the suspect and was taken into custody on scene. The incident was investigated by patrol officers and detectives. According to the media statement, the investigation alleges that Russo had become “friends” with the juvenile on social media and gaming apps. The BPD media statement continues as follows: “After conversing on the apps the two parties met at a public restroom in Hyannis where the assault took place. Russo was arraigned at Barnstable District Court on Wednesday May 1, 2024 and held without bail. Russo is being charged with Rape of a Child (Aggravated 10 year age difference), Indecent Assault and Battery on Child under 14, Assault and Battery Dangerous Weapon on Child under 14, Strangulation or Suffocation, and Assault and Battery.” The following is a 2021 video PSA from the FBI regarding predators targeting children while gaming… [FBI VIDEO – PRESS PLAY] Also, according to a January 2024 FBI article entitled, “Sextortion: A Growing Threat Targeting Minors,” Special Agent Willie Creech touches upon some of the ways children can be targeted, deceived, manipulated and harmed by online predators. The Barnstable Police Department want parents to know about an online resource called NetSmartz ( www.netsmartz.org ) where parents, caregivers, and children can educate themselves on internet safety. The BPD also wanted to urge everyone that they can report suspicious online behavior by contacting them at 508-778-3874.