Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin announced that Christopher Blidi, (age 39) of Providence, pleaded guilty today before Superior Court Justice Netti C. Vogel to one count of first degree child molestation. Blidi was sentenced to 50 years, with 14 to serve and the remainder suspended with probation. In addition, Blidi was ordered to have no contact with the victim and must undergo sex offender counseling. Upon release, Blidi is subject to sex offender community notification and registration.
Had the case proceeded to trial, the State was prepared to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that in 2010 Blidi molested a nine year old girl. The victim disclosed the molestation to her mother, who contacted Providence Police.
The victim was interviewed at the Child Advocacy Center at Day One, where she recounted two incidents when she was molested by the defendant, and a physical examination at the Child Protection Program at Hasbro Children's Hospital showed signs consistent with sexual trauma.
"The coordinated approach by my office, law enforcement, Day One and Hasbro Children's Hospital spares victims of child molestation of having to relive the trauma of the assault. The wrap-around approach has led to successful prosecution of sexual predators and provides victims with access to a team of victim advocates who can help heal the emotional injuries of molestation," said Attorney General Kilmartin
Providence Police Detective Christopher Rotella led the investigation and Special Assistant Attorney General and Chief of the Child Abuse Unit Shannon Signore prosecuted the case on behalf of the Office of Attorney General.