Woonsocket Radio News Room

Former Woonsocket gym teacher sentenced to 10 years in state prison for child molestation

 

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Attorney General Peter F. Neronha announced today that a Warwick man has been sentenced in Kent County Superior Court to serve 10 years at the Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI) for sexually assaulting a victim under the age of 14 in 2023. 

On February 28, 2025, Superior Court Justice Luis M. Matos sentenced Steven Porricelli (age 53) to 25 years with 10 years to serve at the ACI and 25 years of probation. Judge Matos also issued a No Contact Order between the defendant and the victim. Additionally, the Court ordered the defendant register as a sex offender and attend sex offender counseling. 

On October 23, 2024, following the conclusion of a three-day jury trial before Judge Matos, the jury found the defendant guilty of two counts of second-degree child molestation.

“Child victims of sexual assault endure unimaginable pain, the kind which most of us cannot fathom,” said Attorney General Neronha. “According to the CDC, about 90% of child sexual abuse is perpetrated by a trusted adult known to the victim. Needless to say, the consequences of such trauma at the hands of a trusted adult are life-altering. Yet, the incredible bravery shown by this victim in coming forward allowed us to seek justice and accountability on her behalf, ensuring this defendant faced the appropriate consequences. My thanks to the Warwick Police Department for their partnership on this difficult case.”

During the trial, the State proved beyond a reasonable doubt that on May 19, 2023, the defendant assaulted a female victim under the age of 14, who was known to him, at a home in Warwick.

“I am very grateful to know that justice will be served in this terrible case,” said Colonel Bradford E. Connor, Warwick Police Chief. “This would not be possible without the victim’s testimony, as well as the tireless work of the Warwick Police Department and the Attorney General’s Office. Thank you to Detective Arico and to the prosecutors for ensuring that this defendant can no longer harm any more children.”

Special Assistant Attorneys General Arthur DeFelice and Megan Andrews of the Office of the Attorney General and Detective Adam Arico of the Warwick Police Department led the investigation and prosecution of the case. 

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