Ex-Woonsocket Gym Teacher Sentenced For Molesting Child

WOONSOCKET, RI — A former Woonsocket gym teacher was sentenced to 10 years in state prison after prosecutors proved he molested a child, Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha said Tuesday.

Following a three-day trial in October 2024, a Kent County Superior Court justice found Steven Porricelli, 53, of Warwick, guilty of two counts of second-degree child molestation. Porricelli was sentenced on Friday and must also serve 25 year of probation and register as a sex offender.

"Child victims of sexual assault endure unimaginable pain, the kind which most of us cannot fathom," Neronha said. "According to the CDC, about 90 percent of child sexual abuse is perpetrated by a trusted adult known to the victim. Needless to say, the consequences of such trauma at the hands of a trusted adult are life-altering. Yet, the incredible bravery shown by this victim in coming forward allowed us to seek justice and accountability on her behalf, ensuring this defendant faced the appropriate consequences."

During the trial, prosecutors proved that on May 19, Porricelli sexually assaulted a girl under the age of 14 at his home in Warwick. Prosecutors said Porricelli knew his victim.

"I am very grateful to know that justice will be served in this terrible case," Warwick Police Chief Bradford Connor said. "This would not be possible without the victim’s testimony, as well as the tireless work of the Warwick Police Department and the Attorney General’s Office. Thank you to Detective Arico and to the prosecutors for ensuring that this defendant can no longer harm any more children."

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