BURRILLVILLE – A 32-year-old Burrillville man is facing seven felony charges after his four children detailed incidents of abuse to police in an investigation that began in April.
Edmund Varin of Cold Spring Lane was arrested by Burrillville police on Tuesday, Nov. 27 and was charged with three counts of cruelty to or neglect of a child, four counts of second degree child abuse, and three counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, a misdemeanor.
According to reports, the investigation of Varin by Burrillville police began at the end of April, after his daughter told her maternal grandparents that he was abusing her and her siblings. Varin, who works in loss prevention at Stop and Shop in North Smithfield according to the arrest report, had partial custody of the children at the time.
The family reportedly first attempted to contact the state Department of Youth Children and Families, but said that they could not reach anyone, and then went to the police station. All four children, ages five to 13, gave statements to police regarding ongoing abuse and neglect, noting that they were not allowed to play outside or participate in any after school activities while at their father’s house. One told police she was afraid of her father, noting he owned multiple guns.
The grandparents also gave statements, as did the 32-year-old mother, who told police she suffered physical abuse that required hospitalization while she was married to Varin.
The following day, police seized four weapons from Varin’s home, including a 20-caliber Remington 870 express magnum, and a semi-automatic pistol.
Police also contacted a judge to obtain an emergency order of protection and awarded temporary custody of the children to their mother.
Since May, the case has been under investigation by DCYF and Day One Child Advocacy.
Varin was processed and released by District Court following the arrest.
