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. 

President Trump is calling April 2nd America's "liberation day." Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump said that's the day his tariffs against Canada, Mexico and China go into effect. He said Americans will see an economic boom after the tariffs.        Israel says its forces will permanently occupy parts of Gaza unless Hamas releases the remaining hostages. This comes after Israel broke a nearly two-month ceasefire with the Palestinian militant group earlier this week. Israeli airstrikes and ground operations have reportedly killed almost 600 people in Gaza.        The President appears to be open to the U.S. becoming a member of the British Commonwealth. On Truth Social this morning, President Trump shared a link to a report from the "Sun" about King Charles the Third preparing a "secret offer" involving the U.S. becoming an associate member of the international organization. In his post, Trump said, "I love King Charles. Sounds good to me!"        Congressman Gerry [[ Jerry ]] Connolly is calling for an investigation into Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Connolly, a ranking member on the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, said it was suspicious that Lutnick recently urged Americans to buy Tesla stock. Connolly said it's "the latest example of the Trump Administration using taxpayer resources to enrich the President's inner circle."        Boeing has won a multi-billion dollar contract to build F-47 fighter jets. On Friday, President Trump announced the Next Generation Air Dominance program, also known as the F-47 fighter jet, will replace Lockheed Martin's F-22 Raptor. Boeing and Lockheed were competing for the contract to build the jets after both companies finalized designs for the aircraft last year.        There's a new idea to help bring down grocery costs. Texas Congressman Henry Cuellar wants the Trump Administration to allow the import of eggs from Mexico. He says, if you go across the border from his South Texas district, it costs about four-bucks for a carton of 30-eggs. If imports are allowed, he says it would solve the domestic supply issue, caused by the bird flu.       

Old News Archives