Connecticut man sentenced to 25 years for abusing and impregnating a girl under his care since she was 9 years old.

A Connecticut man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison after being found guilty of sexually abusing a young girl under his care for over a decade. Roger Barriault, who served as the victim’s legal guardian, was arrested last year and subsequently pleaded guilty to a charge of sexual assault.

The prosecution revealed that the victim, identified as Crystal, experienced abuse beginning at the age of 9, lasting until she escaped Barriault’s home at 20. Notably, when Crystal was just 12 years old, Barriault fathered a child with her, a fact confirmed by DNA testing. This harrowing situation has raised serious concerns regarding the protective measures taken by child welfare authorities, sparking discussions about their involvement in the case.

Currently 29 years old, Crystal has shared that she suffered continuous assaults, claiming she was raped nearly every day for the duration of the abuse, amounting to over 3,600 incidents between 2004 and 2015. Her legal representative, Nate Baber, emphasized that while the outcome of the case is a form of justice for Crystal, it does not erase the profound challenges and failures she faced from various agencies, as well as family members, who neglected to intervene during critical moments.

A report by the Office of the Child Advocate revealed that they became aware of the abuse allegations in February 2024. Their investigation indicated that there were numerous “missed opportunities” to act on the allegations. Shockingly, the Department of Children and Families failed to bring the claims to law enforcement’s attention, despite receiving multiple reports.

Barriault’s spouse, Darlene, has also been implicated in this disturbing case. She was arrested on charges related to the risk of injury to a minor after Crystal disclosed details of the abuse to her at the age of 11. Darlene has since pled guilty to her charges and is scheduled for sentencing in January.

As the case concludes with Barriault’s sentencing, it serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the critical need for vigilance and accountability in child protection systems. Public awareness of such cases is essential to ensure that the failures observed in this instance are not repeated in the future. The lasting impact on survivors remains a potent reminder of the importance of listening, believing, and acting on their stories.