Former Woonsocket RI teacher convicted of child abuse

PROVIDENCE – A former gym teacher from Woonsocket, RI, was convicted of sexually abusing a girl under the age of 14 at a home in Warwick in 2023, prosecutors said.

A Kent County Superior Court jury handed down the verdict to Steven Porricelli, 53, of Warwick, on Oct. 23 after a three-day trial, according to a statement from the office of Attorney General Peter Neronha.

Porricelli faced two counts of second-degree child abuse after he assaulted the girl, whom he knew, on May 19, 2023, authorities said.

“Sexual assault against children forever changes the course of their lives, which have only just begun,” Neronha said in a statement.

“By coming forward and telling her story, this victim demonstrated incredible bravery, even when faced with incredible trauma,” Neronha continued. “The more we can help child victims feel safe coming forward, the more we can successfully prosecute these perpetrators.”

Warwick Police Chief Bradford Connor said sexual assault cases involving children are “among the most difficult” that authorities investigate.

“I commend the bravery this victim showed throughout this entire process,” Connor said in a statement.

According to prosecutors, Porricelli is being held without bail at the Adult Correctional Institutions in Cranston. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 24, 2025.

You can contact Christopher Gavin at [email protected].