Providence Man Sentenced For Sexually Assaulting 3 Girls Under 18

PROVIDENCE, RI — A Providence man was sentenced to 12 years in state prison after he pleaded to sexually assaulting three girls under the age of 18, Attorney General Peter Neronha said Monday.

At a court hearing on June 12, Brian Watson, 34, waived indictment in two cases and pleaded nolo contendere to two counts of first-degree child molestation and one count of sexual assault.

"I commend the incredible bravery of these victims in fighting through their pain and coming forward to hold this defendant accountable," Neronha said. "While no punishment can reverse the pain this defendant has caused, I hope this disposition provides a measure of comfort to the victims and their families."

Had the case went to trial, prosecutors said they were prepared to prove that between Aug. 1, 2023, and Nov. 27, 2023, Watson molested two girls under 14 he knew at a Providence home. Additionally, on or around March 3, 2023, Watson had sexual contact with a girl he knew who was under 18. Prosecutors said this sexual assault happened at a hotel in Cranston.

The Providence and Cranston Police Departments began investigating Watson after the youngest of the three victims came forward to a mandatory reporter at her school.

"I would like to thank the [Rhode Island] Attorney General’s Office and our hard-working detectives for the successful investigation and prosecution of this offender, and I am thankful for the victims for their bravery in making that possible," Providence Police Col. Oscar Perez said. "These cases are never easy on the victims’ families, and it is the Providence Police Department’s hope that this sentencing will help in the healing process."

Following his prison sentence, Watson must serve 40 years of probation. He is also required to register as a sex offender for life and have no contact with his victims.

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