Saunderstown Man Accused of Touching Children at Polo Match in Portsmouth Found Not Guilty

NEWPORT, RI—A Saunderstown man who was arrested in 2014 for allegedly touching two 10-year-old children at a Newport International Polo event in Portsmouth was found not guilty of a count of second-degree child molestation and guilty of simple assault after a trial in Second Division District Court on Tuesday.

Brian Smith, of 210 Pheasant Run, was charged by Portsmouth police after an investigation stemming from a complaint that alleged Smith was at the Glen Farm complex on July 19 when he struck up a conversation with two children. While chatting, according to a police report, he allegedly touched both children and was accused of putting his hand up a child's skirt.

Smith, 54, is being held without bail until his sentencing date of May 17.