New Jersey Man Sentenced to 12–14 Years for Sexual Assault of Hyannis Teen

New Jersey Man Sentenced to 12–14 Years for Sexual Assault of Hyannis Teen

BARNSTABLE, Mass. — A New Jersey man has been sentenced to 12 to 14 years in state prison for the aggravated rape of a 14-year-old Hyannis girl, Cape & Islands District Attorney Robert J. Galibois announced Monday.

Cheldon Clare, 46, of Hasbrouck Heights, N.J., was convicted after a six-day trial in Barnstable Superior Court. The jury deliberated just two and a half hours before finding him guilty of aggravated rape of a child and two counts of indecent assault and battery on a person 14 or older.

Prosecutors said Clare drove from New Jersey to Hyannis on August 27, 2021, where he sexually assaulted the victim in his vehicle after grooming her for weeks. The girl and her mother reported the crime to Barnstable Police on September 6, 2021.

Detective Andrew Johnson led the investigation, uncovering damning evidence. Phone records detailed Clare’s manipulative communications with the teen, and location data confirmed his phone was at the victim’s home the day of the assault. Forensic analysis further identified Clare’s DNA on the victim’s clothing.

Clare was sentenced to 12–14 years for rape, with concurrent time for one indecent assault charge and five years’ probation following his release on the second charge. He must also register as a sex offender.

DA Galibois praised the courage of the young victim, saying her bravery in coming forward “was instrumental in securing the conviction” and reaffirmed his office’s commitment to protecting survivors.