Former Woonsocket gym teacher found guilty of child molestation
by: Jusolyn Flower
WOONSOCKET, R.I. (WPRI) — A Warwick man was convicted Wednesday of sexually assaulting a minor last year, according to R.I. Attorney General Peter Neronha.
Following a three-day jury trial, Steven Porricelli, 53, was found guilty on two counts of second-degree child molestation.
During the trial, prosecutors proved that Porricelli molested a child under 14 years old who was known to him at a Warwick home in 2023.
Porricelli, who Neronha said was formerly a gym teacher in Woonsocket, is being held at the ACI pending a sentencing hearing in January.
“In coming forward and telling her story, this victim demonstrated incredible bravery, even as she dealt with incredible trauma,” Neronha said. “The more we can help child victims feel safe in coming forward, the more we can successfully prosecute these perpetrators.”