Massachusetts police arrested a man on Monday they said sexually abused five children over the span of three years.
Eric Sladen, 46, allegedly abused the five boys at his Shrewsbury home between 2022 and this past May. The Boston Globe reported that four of the victims were 11 years old at the time of the assaults, while the fifth boy was 9.
Sladen allegedly wrestled with the victims and touched them in inappropriate areas. There was also an instance in which Sladen was in bed with one of the boys, according to WFXT.
One of the boys allegedly accused Sladen of touching his genitals every week. Another child claimed Sladen molested him while he played video games, according to the Globe.
Sladen reportedly instructed the victims not to tell their parents — and fist bumped one boy who obliged.
Sladen’s relationship to the victims was not disclosed. It is also unclear how authorities got involved.
Officials said Sladen still had boys at his home despite knowing certain allegations against him had surfaced, according to the Worcester Telegram & Gazette.
Sladen was charged with indecent assault and battery on a child under the age of 14, assault and battery, intimidating a witness, and violating a harassment prevention order. He is on house arrest after posting $30,000 bond.
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[Feature Photo: WCVB video screengrab]
