South Kingstown Man Sentenced For Raping Woman

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, RI — A South Kingstown man was sentenced Monday to seven years in state prison after he raped a woman in August 2022.

John Celico, 30, pleaded nolo contendere to first-degree sexual assault.

"Offenders of sexual violence must be held accountable for the physical and emotional trauma they cause their victims," Attorney General Peter Neronha said. "It takes great courage to come forward as this victim did, and in doing so, she serves as a great reminder to other victims that justice is indeed possible."

Had the case went to trial, prosecutors said they were prepared to prove that on Aug. 2, 2022, Celico raped a woman he knew at a South Kingstown home. Unbeknownst to Celico, the victim used her cell phone to record audio of the preceding conversation between the two, and the assault.

"While nothing can undo the pain caused to this victim, I commend her bravery throughout this process," South Kingstown Police Chief Matthew Moynihan said. "Justice was served in this case, and I thank Detective Bouffard and our partners at the Attorney General’s Office for their investigation and prosecutorial work."

Following Celico's prison sentence, he must serve 15 years of probation. He must also register as a sex offender.

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