Former Woonsocket, Rhode Island teacher found guilty of child molestation

PROVIDENCE — A former physical education teacher in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, was found guilty of molesting a girl under 14 at a Warwick home in 2023, prosecutors said.

A Kent County Superior Court jury convicted Steven Porricelli, 53, of Warwick on Oct. 23 after a three-day trial, according to the release. statement from the office of Attorney General Peter Neronha.

Porricelli was charged with two counts of second-degree child molestation after he assaulted a girl he knew on May 19, 2023, officials said.

“Sexual abuse of children forever changes the course of their lives, which have just begun,” Neronha said in a statement.

“By coming forward and telling her story, this victim demonstrated incredible bravery, even while facing incredible trauma,” Neronha continued. “The more we can help child victims feel safe to come forward, the more we can successfully bring these offenders to justice.”

Warwick Police Chief Bradford Connor said sexual assault cases involving children are “among the most difficult” for authorities to investigate.

“I commend the bravery this victim has shown throughout this entire process,” Connor said in a statement.

Porricelli is being held without bond at the Cranston Adult Correctional Facility, according to prosecutors. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 24, 2025.

Christopher Gavin can be reached at [email protected].