Crime & Safety
Norwalk Man Accused of Repeatedly Sexually Assaulting Then 8-Year-Old Girl
Now 16, she tells police attacks occurred eight years ago, while she was in the first and second grades.
A city man was arrested last week for allegedly repeatedly sexually assaulting an 8-year-old girl eight years ago.
Lionel Chavarria, 37, of 17 Sention Ave., was charged on Friday with three counts of first-degree sexual assault and three counts of risk of injury to a minor.
Police released details about Chavarria's arrest Monday morning.
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Police spokeswoman Sgt. Lisa Cotto said the girl accused Chavarria of assaulting her more than three times, but she could only remember sufficient details about three of the attacks for authorities to bring charges against him.
Cotto said the girl, who is now 16 years old, recently told a youth counselor about the alleged attacks, and the counseler contacted the state Department of Children and Families. The Norwalk Police Youth Bureau was notified of the accusations April 23.
Find out what's happening in Norwalkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Cotto said the alleged attacks occurred in South Norwalk and were perpetrated by a "relative" in a private residence. She declined to identify the relationship between her and Chavarria.
An affidavit police prepared to obtain an arrest warrant for Chavarria describes in graphic detail the girl's description of the assaults, which occurred numerous times while she was in the first and second grade, Cotto said.
She said the investigation of Chavarria continues, including the possibility he allegedly had contact with another child.
Chavarria was released after posting a $50,000 bond through a bail bondsman. He is scheduled to be arraigned in state Superior Court in Norwalk May 21.
