Principal faces
disturbing charges

PAWTUCKET, R.I. (WPRI) - The principal at a Pawtucket school has been indicted on charges of child molestation.

The allegations date back more than ten years. Prosecutors say it happened while he was principal at Baldwin Elementary School.

It's unknown whether the accuser is a male or female. But, Eyewitness News has learned they are more than likely in their 20's. But, when this happened they were 14-years-old or younger.

The indictment is hard to believe for Katrina Rivera who has two children at Baldwin Elementary School.

"I've never had a problem. I mean, that's shocking. I don't see that," says Rivera.

Raymond Dalton is 52-years-old, he's indicted on three counts of child molestation. The charges include, second-degree child molestation sexual assault, which involved sexual contact with the victim. And, first-degree child molestation sexual assault, involved with the suspect having sex with a victim.

The police are leading the investigation but, there's no word if there is more than one victim or exactly where Baldwin is accused of committing the crimes.

Here is the timeline according to the Attorney General:
From January of 1995 to December of 1996, Baldwin allegedly had sexual contact with the victim.

From January of 1996, to December of 1998, he allegedly had sex with the victim.

Although, Dalton has been placed on an administrative assignment where he will not have contact with children, Rivera thinks he will have the support of parents.

"I don't think that's true. I don't believe it. You know, innocent until proven guilty," adds Rivera.

Dalton's attorney's released the following statement Wednesday morning.

"Ray Dalton has devoted his professional life to the education of our children. He has been a teacher, principal and educator for over 30 years. His character and reputation are impeccable. These outrageous allegation are false. These allegations arise from a violent felon and career criminal with a motivation to better his current prison situation. Ray Dalton is innocent and looks forward to his day in court", says John E. MacDonald and Peter A. DiBiase.

Dalton is scheduled to be arraigned on December 17th in Providence Superior Court.