News

Man held without bail on rape charges

By Angeljean Chiaramida
staff writer
Published: August 7, 2008

SEABROOK — A Seabrook man charged with two counts of statutory rape is being held without bail pending the judge's review of a psychological evaluation.

Shawn C. Eaton, 21, of 17 True Road, Seabrook, is charged by Seabrook police with two counts of aggravated felonious sexual assault/statutory rape last weekend of two teenage girls ages 13 and 15. According to court documents, he is accused of engaging in sex with his victims after giving them an "intoxicating substance" that mentally incapacitated them. The "intoxicating substance" was not identified in the court records.

Arraigned yesterday at Hampton District Court in Seabrook before Judge Francis Frasier, Eaton faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in jail for each felony count if convicted.

According to Seabrook police prosecutor Detective Scott Mendes, the alleged incidents took place on Saturday at a place in Seabrook. Police were made aware of the incidents when the families of the victims came forward. Eaton was arrested at the police station on Tuesday at 5 p.m., Mendes said.

Eaton was represented in court by Public Defender Joseph Prieto, and a description of the crime was waived by counsel. No plea was entered, and the case was continued to a probable cause hearing at Hampton District Court on Aug. 25.

Mendes and Prieto had come to a bail agreement for Eaton, but Frasier would not sign the agreement until he reviewed the results of a psychological evaluation to ensure Eaton is not a danger to himself or others. After the evaluation is completed, Frasier said the defendant may request a bail hearing at which time bail may again be discussed.

Eaton qualifies for the Rockingham County Sheriff's SCRIP program, Frasier said, which monitors people who are out on bail.

The families of both Eaton and the victims were in court for the arraignment.