Westerly man to serve 10 years in state prison for child molestation

Published on Thursday, September 05, 2024

Attorney General Peter F. Neronha announced today that a Westerly man has been sentenced in Washington County Superior Court to serve 10 years at the Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI) for sexually assaulting a victim under the age of 14 in 2021 and 2022.

At a hearing on September 4, 2024, before Superior Court Justice Melanie Wilk Thunberg, Brian Sousa (age 28) pleaded nolo contendere to two counts of first-degree child molestation and one count of second-degree child molestation. Judge Thunberg sentenced the defendant to 25 years, with 10 years to serve at the ACI, and a 15-year suspended sentence with 25 years of probation. Finally, the defendant must register as a sex offender, comply with all statutory requirements relating to sex offender registration, and complete sex offender counseling.   

“Sexual assault cases against children are some of the most difficult cases we prosecute, for all involved,” said Attorney General Neronha. “In this case, the victim demonstrated exceptional bravery, and in doing so, helped hold her attacker accountable for his crimes. I am grateful to the Westerly Police Department for their investigative work in this case and many others.”

Had the case proceeded to trial, the State was prepared to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant sexually assaulted a victim under the age of 14 multiple times at a Westerly residence in 2021 and 2022. 

“My heart goes out to the victim in this case, and I commend her bravery in bringing the perpetrator to justice,” said Westerly Police Chief Paul J. Gingerella. “I am incredibly proud of the diligent work done by the Westerly Police Department, in collaboration with the Attorney General's Office, to ensure that this defendant will no longer be a threat to our community.”

Assistant Attorney General Mark Trovato of the Attorney General and Lieutenant Dana Gervasini of the Westerly Police Department led the investigation and prosecution of this case. 

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