As reported by Amanda Milkovits in the February 26, 2013 edition of the Providence Journal, a Pawtucket man has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of first degree child molestation. A mother called police about her daughter. Police located the thirteen (13) year old girl in the apartment of a twenty-three (23) year old man. The man has been arrested and charged with ten (10) counts of first degree child molestation.
Pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws 11-37-8.1, first degree child molestation is defined as a person is guilty of first degree child molestation sexual assault if he or she engages in sexual penetration with a person fourteen (14) years of age or under. The penalties if convicted include imprisonment for a period of not less than twenty-five (25) years and may be imprisoned for life. If released from prison, sex offender counseling and lifetime sex offender registration would be required.
The age of the girl is important. If the girl was fourteen (14) years old, the man could have been charged with third degree sexual assault. Pursuant to R.I.G.L. 11-37-6, a person is guilty of third degree sexual assault if he or she is over the age of eighteen (18) years and engaged in sexual penetration with another person over the age of fourteen (14) years and under the age of consent, sixteen (16) years of age. The penalties if convicted include imprisonment for not more than five (5) years.