10/21/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Level 3 s*x offender Arrested Following Report of Inappropriate Conduct Involving a Juvenile
On Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at approximately 5:48 PM, officers responded to Cumberland Farms at 357 Main Street after receiving a report that an adult male was allegedly offering money to a juvenile in exchange for inappropriate s*xual activity. The juvenile reported that the male attempted to persuade them to accompany him to his residence. Store employees assisted the juvenile and ensured they remained in a safe location until family members arrived.
During further investigation, the suspect was identified as 86-year-old Hiram J. GONZALEZ, a Level 3 s*x offender with numerous prior convictions for r**e and other s*x crimes involving children, one of which he served many years in state prison. In this incident, GONZALEZ is accused of attempting to lure a juvenile into his vehicle by offering money.
86-year-old Hiram J. GONZALEZ of 45 River Street apt #2 in Southbridge, MA was charged with enticing a minor, disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace.
GONZALEZ was arrested on scene and was charged with enticing a minor, disorderly conduct, and disturbing the peace. He was held on $10,000 cash bail and arraigned in Dudley District Court on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
Anyone with information regarding this incident or similar incidents is encouraged to contact the Southbridge Police Department at 508-764-542.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.