Johnston RI Man Accused of First-Degree Assault Child Molestation
Criminal Charges:
Man charged in the Johnston, Rhode Island, Providence County Rhode Island District Court (3rd Division), for:
- First-Degree Sexual Assault Child Molestation, in violation of RIGL § 11-37-8.1
Case Overview:
A man was accused of First-Degree Sexual Assault Child Molestation by the niece of his ex-wife. The complainant, now an adult woman and mother, made the allegation after nearly 20 years. She told police that when she was a small child, she would often spend the weekend nights at her aunt’s and uncle’s home in Johnston, RI. She claimed that during those sleepovers, her uncle would perform oral sex on her while she was in bed and asleep. She also claimed there were times when he touched her vagina and masturbated himself while sexually assaulting her. Based solely on her uncorroborated claims, Rhode Island State Police arrested the man and charged him in Rhode Island District Court (3rd Division) with First-Degree Sexual Assault Child Molestation. The Court ordered the man held without bail at this arraignment. He then retained Rhode Island Sex Assault Defense Lawyer, John L. Calcagni III, to defend him in this matter.
Case Result: Bail Granted.
Attorney Calcagni requested a bail hearing on his client’s behalf. In preparation, Attorney Calcagni identified several character witnesses to undermine the complainant’s credibility, including her maternal aunt (the man’s ex-wife). Attorney Calcagni also prepared a bail memorandum highlighting his client’s U.S. Citizenship, business ownership, family support, other community ties, lack of criminal record, and cooperation with police at the time of his arrest. Based upon Attorney Calcagni’s collective efforts, the man was released on bail and is awaiting trial.