Foster Man Gets 8-Year Sentence For Molesting 2 Children

FOSTER, RI — A Foster man was sentenced to eight years in state prison after prosecutors proved he sexually assaulted two girls under age 14, Attorney General Peter Neronha said Wednesday

James Jones, 76, was found guilty May 6 of four counts of second-degree child molestation and was sentenced last week. Along with his prison sentence, Jones must register as a sex offender and serve 25 years of probation once released from prison.

"Often, child sexual abuse goes unreported because victims fear the consequences of coming forward, leaving many to deal with this profound trauma alone," Neronha said. "Thankfully, these two victims mustered the courage to tell their story, and now the defendant will face the consequences for his awful crimes."

During the trial, prosecutors proved that between 2012 and 2017, Jones molested two children he knew at various places in Foster.

"I am grateful for the successful prosecution of this offender, and I am glad he now faces a lengthy prison sentence," Foster Police Chief Gina Lindell said. "These cases are very difficult on the families and the community. It is our hope that this sentencing will aid in the healing process for the victims and the community."

Have a news tip? Email jimmy.bentley@patch.com.