Cranston Man Pleads Nolo To Domestic Strangulation: AG

CRANSTON, RI—A Cranston man pleaded no contest on Friday to two charges in connection with a June 29 assault in West Warwick, the state Attorney General's office said. John Avarista, 35, was charged with Domestic strangulation and with violating a No Contact order, his third offense. He took a plea deal and was sentenced to 15 years, with five to serve and the rest suspended with probation. He was also ordered not to have any contact with the victim.

The sentence starts after he completes 21 months in prison "for violating the terms and conditions of a previous domestic violence felony conviction," the Attorney General's office said. That sentence was handed down July 13. West Warwick police investigated.

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