Police: Fire official accused of paying a minor for sex act

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Rhode Island State Police say an assistant fire chief has been arrested for allegedly paying a juvenile to perform a sexual act.

State Police said Friday that 49-year-old Stephen Barker, who is an assistant fire chief with the National Guard Fire Department, based in Quonset, was charged with patronizing a minor for commercial sexual activity and indecent solicitation of a child.

Barker’s attorney did not immediately respond to a phone message seeking comment Friday. Barker lives in Warwick, Rhode Island.

State Police say Barker met the juvenile on Snapchat and arranged a meeting. Detectives searched Barker’s electronics and social media accounts.

Barker was arraigned and released Friday on a $5,000 surety bond. He was ordered to not contact the juvenile. His next court date is Dec. 2.