Providence man convicted of child molestation

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Attorney General Peter F. Neronha announced today that a Providence man has been found guilty in Kent County Superior Court of sexually assaulting a female victim under the age of 14 between 2018 and 2020.

On September 11, 2023, following the conclusion of a four-day jury trial before Superior Court Justice Luis M. Matos, the jury found Craig Preuit (age 43) guilty of one count of second-degree child molestation.

The defendant is currently being held without bail at the Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI) pending his sentencing hearing scheduled for November 17, 2023.

“Child molestation is an unspeakable crime that forever alters a child’s life,” said Attorney General Peter F. Neronha. “This victim’s bravery in coming forward is extraordinary and her testimony will help prevent other children from experiencing similar trauma at the hands of this defendant. I thank the Coventry Police Department for their outstanding work and partnership during the investigation and prosecution of this case.”

During the trial, the State proved beyond a reasonable doubt that on days and dates between 2018 and 2020, the defendant assaulted a female victim under the age of 14, who was known to him, at a location in Coventry.

“I would like to thank the Attorney General’s Office and CPD’s Special Victims Unit on their exemplary efforts on the successful prosecution of this predatory offender, all while commending the courageous testimony of the victim, a child,” said Chief Frederick J. Heise III. “These cases are never easy on the families that often bear through a years-long process, and it is the Coventry Police Department’s hope that this guilty verdict will help in the healing process.”

Special Assistant Attorney General Arthur DeFelice of the Office of the Attorney General and Detective Paul Pacheco of the Coventry Police Department led the investigation and prosecution of the case.