Kent County Courthouse at 222 Quaker Ln, Warwick, RI. On March 4, Steven Porricelli, 53, of Warwick was sentenced to 25 years, 10 to serve, in state prison for two counts of child molestation.

WARWICK, R.I. – A Warwick man and former Woonsocket gym teacher has been sentenced in Kent County Superior Court to 10 years at the Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI) for child molestation, sexually assaulting a victim under 14, in 2023.

On Feb. 28, 2025, Superior Court Justice Luis M. Matos sentenced Steven Porricelli, 53) to 25 years with 10 years to serve at the ACI and 25 years of probation, RI Attorney General Peter Neronha announced Tuesday.

Judge Matos also issued a No Contact Order between Porricelli and the victim. Additionally, the Court ordered Porricelli to register as a sex offender and attend sex offender counseling, part of the child molestation sentencing.

Child Molestation in 2023, in Warwick

On Oct. 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.

‘Thank you to Detective Arico and to the prosecutors for ensuring that this defendant can no longer harm any more children.’ — WPD Chief Col. Bradford E. Connor

“Child victims of sexual assault endure unimaginable pain, the kind which most of us cannot fathom,” said Neronha. “According to the CDC, about 90 percent 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.

According to the CDC, about 90 percent of child sexual abuse is perpetrated by a trusted adult known to the victim.

“I am very grateful to know that justice will be served in this terrible case,” said Warwick Police Chief Col. Bradford E. Connor, “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.”

According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, “the public health approach to preventing child abuse and neglect includes actions parents and caregivers, neighborhoods, schools, employers, and everyone in a community can take to promote the safety and well-being of children. CDC’s Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Resource For Action provides examples of evidence-based strategies:

Strengthen economic supports to families
Change social norms to support parents and positive parenting
Provide quality care and education early in life
Enhance parenting skills to promote healthy child development
Intervene to lessen harms and prevent future risk”

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 child molestation investigation and prosecution of the case.

Author: Rob Borkowski

Rob has worked as reporter and editor for several publications, including The Kent County Daily Times and Coventry Courier, before working for Gatehouse in MA then moving home with Patch Media. Now he's publisher and editor of WarwickPost.com. Contact him at editor@warwickpost.com with tips, press releases, advertising inquiries, and concerns.

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