Following trial, Foster man convicted of child molestation

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Attorney General Peter F. Neronha announced today that a Foster man has been found guilty in Providence County Superior Court of sexually assaulting two female victims under the age of 14 between 2012 and 2017.

On May 6, 2024, following the conclusion of a four-day jury trial before Superior Court Justice Maureen B. Keough, the jury found James Jones (age 76) guilty of four counts of second-degree child molestation.

The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced at a later date.

“Sexual assaults against children at the hands of a trusted adult remains an ongoing and devastating problem in Rhode Island,” said Attorney General Peter F. Neronha. “Child molestation forever alters a child’s life, and I commend the courage of the victims in this case for their bravery in coming forward. I thank the Foster Police Department for their outstanding work during the investigation and prosecution of this case.”

During the trial, the State proved beyond a reasonable doubt that on days and dates between 2012 and 2017, the defendant sexually assaulted two female victims, both under the age of 14 and known to him, at locations in Foster.

“I would like to thank the Attorney General’s Office on their successful prosecution of this offender,” said Chief Gina Lindell. “These cases are very difficult on the families and the community. It is the Foster Police Department’s hope that this guilty verdict will help in the healing process.”

Special Assistant Attorney General Jillian Dubois of the Office of the Attorney General and Officer Michael Sullivan of the Foster Police Department led the investigation and prosecution of the case.