Scituate Man Gets 13-Year Sentence For Sexually Assaulting A Child

SCITUATE, RI — A Scituate man was sentenced to 13 years in prison after pleading to sexually assaulting a child several times in 2021.

Mark Salerno, 42, pleaded nolo contendere to two counts of first-degree child molestation. Along with Salerno's prison sentence, he must also serve 40 years of probation and register as a sex offender.

"I want to recognize the extraordinary bravery of another victim whose courage in coming forward helped bring her attacker to justice," Attorney General Neronha said. "This victim channeled her trauma into action, facing her attacker in court and telling her story in order to secure accountability. Bottom line: when we support victims, we support public safety. I want to thank the Rhode Island State Police and our prosecutors for their hard work and collaboration on this difficult case."

Has the case went to trial, prosecutors said they were prepared to prove Salerno sexually assaulted a girl under 14 he knew several times. Prosecutors said the assaults happened between January and April 2021 in Scituate.

"I am grateful for this victim’s bravery in coming forward and enabling justice to prevail," Rhode Island State Police Col. Darnell Weaver said. "I appreciate the efforts of our troopers and prosecutors in the Attorney General’s Office on their successful investigation and prosecution of this offender. Hopefully, this sentencing will provide some closure and help in the ongoing healing process for the victim."

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