Providence man found guilty of first-degree sexual assault

Published on Wednesday, February 07, 2024

Attorney General Peter F. Neronha announced that a Providence man has been found guilty in Washington County Superior Court of first-degree sexual assault against a female victim in 2020.

On February 5, 2024, following a jury-waived trial, Superior Court Justice Melanie Wilk Thunberg found Aaron Lewis (age 38) guilty of two counts of first-degree sexual assault.

The defendant is currently being held without bail at the Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI) pending a sentencing hearing to be scheduled later.

“We must hold accountable perpetrators of sexual violence and strive for justice on behalf of victims,” said Attorney General Neronha. “Each successful prosecution of a sexual assault helps other victims realize they are not alone, and that justice is possible. I am grateful to the South Kingstown Police Department for their outstanding work and advocacy in this case.”

During the trial, the State proved beyond a reasonable doubt that on May 24, 2020, the defendant sexually assaulted a female victim, who was known to him, at a residence in South Kingstown. That night, both the defendant and the victim attended a house party in South Kingstown. During the party, the defendant made multiple sexual advances toward the victim, each of which she rebuffed. Later that night, as the victim slept, the defendant sexually assaulted with her while she was incapacitated. On May 25, the victim reported the sexual assault to South County Hospital.

“I want to thank the victim for coming forward and advocating on her own behalf,” said Chief Matthew Moynihan of the South Kingstown Police Department. “Because of her bravery, the defendant has been held accountable for his actions. 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 prosecution of this case.”

Assistant Attorney General Mark Trovato of the Office of the Attorney General and Detective Gary Marquis of the South Kingstown Police Department led the investigation and prosecution of the case.

###