New Jersey Man Sentenced for Sexual Assault of 14-Year-Old on Cape Cod

BARNSTABLE (WBSM) — A New Jersey man has been sentenced for a 2021 sexual assault of a 14-year-old family member on Cape Cod.

Cape & Islands District Attorney Robert J. Galibois said that Cheldon Clare, 46, of Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, was sentenced on September 8 in Barnstable Superior Court to 12 to 14 years in state prison. He was found guilty of aggravated rape of a child and two counts of indecent assault and battery on a person 14 or over.

Following a six-day trial, the jury deliberated for two and a half hours before returning the guilty verdict.

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Timeline of the 2021 Assault

The charges date back to September 6, 2021, when a 14-year-old girl and her mother reported to Barnstable Police that she had been sexually assaulted by a family member, identified as Clare. The victim said Clare drove from his home in New Jersey to her residence in Hyannis on the morning of August 27, 2021, and sexually assaulted her in his vehicle.

Investigation and Evidence

Detectives were able to obtain Clare’s phone records, which the D.A.’s Office said “revealed he had groomed the victim for a month prior to the assault.”

His phone was located at the victim’s home on the day of the assault. Forensic testing also identified Clare’s DNA on the victim’s pants, according to the D.A.’s Office.

Sentencing Details

In addition to his 12-14 year prison sentence for the rape charge, Clare will also concurrently serve a two and a half to three and a half year sentence on one indecent assault and battery charge. He will also serve five years of probation on the second. He is also required to register as a sex offender.

Statement from the District Attorney

“I want to acknowledge the bravery shown by the young victim and the commitment of the law enforcement officers who worked to secure critical evidence in pursuit of justice,” D.A. Galibois said. “My office will continue to stand with survivors and work alongside our law enforcement partners to hold offenders accountable.”