Former Woonsocket RI teacher found guilty of child molestation

PROVIDENCE — A former gymnastics teacher in Woonsocket, Pennsylvania, was found guilty of molesting a girl under 14 at a Warwick home in 2023, prosecutors say.

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

Officials said Porricelli faces two counts of second-degree child molestation after attacking a girl known to him on May 19, 2023.

“Child sexual assault forever changes the course of their lives once they have just begun,” Neronha said in a statement.

“By coming forward and telling her story, the victim showed incredible courage, even as she dealt with incredible trauma,” Neronha continued. “The more we can help child victims feel safe in coming forward, the more effectively we will be able to pursue these perpetrators.”

Warwick Police Chief Bradford Connor said child sexual assault cases are “some of the most challenging” for authorities to investigate.

“I applaud the courage this victim demonstrated throughout this trial,” Connor said in a statement.

Porricelli is being held without bail 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].