Man arrested on child sex abuse charges in Southbridge

SOUTHBRIDGE, MA — The Southbridge Police Department arrested a 75-year-old man on child sexual abuse charges following an investigation that began in April.

Paul F. Laliberte, of Southbridge, was arrested May 1 on an outstanding warrant, according to Police Chief Shane D. Woodson.

Laliberte is charged with one count of rape and abuse of a child and two counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under the age of 14.

Police began investigating allegations of sexual abuse involving a juvenile victim on April 17.

Detectives determined the victim was subjected to multiple incidents of inappropriate sexual contact occurring both inside a residence and while traveling in a commercial truck, according to the department.

Laliberte was transported to police headquarters for booking and processing following his arrest.

He was held over the weekend on $25,000 cash bail and was arraigned in Dudley District Court on May 4.

The investigation remains active and ongoing.