Tiverton Man Sentenced For Molesting A Girl Under Age 14

TIVERTON, RI — A Tiverton man was sentenced last week to 10 years in state prison after he pleaded to molesting a girl under the age of 14.

On Wednesday, Joao Morais, 71, pleaded nolo contendere in Newport County Superior Court to two counts of first-degree child molestation.

"Far too often, sexual assaults against children at the hands of a so-called 'trusted' adult remain beneath the public radar screen," Attorney General Peter Neronha said. "Yet make no mistake, this is an ongoing and devastating problem in our communities. Time and time again, as our prosecutors work with detectives and advocates to bring these criminals to justice, I am impressed by the incredible courage displayed by these child victims and their families. I am also grateful to the men and women of the Tiverton Police Department for helping to deliver justice through their outstanding police work."

Had the case went to trial, prosecutors said they were prepared to prove that sometime between Feb. 23, 2022, and Aug. 28, 2023, Morais sexually assault a girl he knew at a home in Tiverton.

"Cases such as these are beyond tragic for victims, their loved ones, and entire communities," Police Chief Patrick Jones said. "I am thankful for the hard work of our officers and investigators, as well as the Office of the Attorney General, for their investigation and successful prosecution of this case."

Following Morais' prison sentence, he must serve 30 years of probation. The court also issued a no-contact order between Morais and his victim. He will also have to register as a sex offender and be subject to lifetime GPS monitoring upon release.

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