Foster man to serve 8 years in state prison for child molestation

Published on Wednesday, August 21, 2024

Attorney General Peter F. Neronha announced today that a Foster man has been sentenced in Providence County Superior Court to serve eight years at the Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI) after a jury found him guilty of sexually assaulting two female victims under the age of 14 between 2012 and 2017.

On August 14, 2024, Superior Court Justice Maureen B. Keough sentenced James Jones (age 76) to 25 years with eight years to serve at the ACI and an 18-year suspended sentence, with 25 years of probation. Additionally, Judge Keough also issued a no-contact order between the defendant and the victim. Finally, the defendant must register as a sex offender, comply with all statutory requirements relating to sex offender registration, and complete sex offender counseling. 

On May 6, 2024, following the conclusion of a four-day jury trial before Judge Keough, the jury found the defendant guilty of four counts of second-degree child molestation.

“Often, child sexual abuse goes unreported because victims fear the consequences of coming forward, leaving many to deal with this profound trauma alone,” said Attorney General Neronha. “Thankfully, these two victims mustered the courage to tell their story, and now the defendant will face the consequences for his awful crimes. Additionally, I want to thank the Foster Police Department for their efforts in this case.”

During the trial, the State proved beyond a reasonable doubt that on days and dates between 2012 and 2017, the defendant sexually assaulted two female victims, both under the age of 14 and known to him, at locations in Foster.

“I am grateful for the successful prosecution of this offender, and I am glad he now faces a lengthy prison sentence,” said Foster Police Chief Gina Lindell. “These cases are very difficult on the families and the community. It is our hope that this sentencing will aid in the healing process for the victims and the community.”

Special Assistant Attorney General Jillian Dubois of the Office of the Attorney General and Officer Michael Sullivan of the Foster Police Department led the investigation and prosecution of the case. 

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