Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin announced that Frank Green, age 40, of Providence, pled nolo contendere yesterday today before Superior Court Justice Susan E. McGuirl to two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon in a dwelling, domestic strangulation and violating a no contact order. Under the terms of the plea agreement, reached with the cooperation of the victim, Green was sentenced to 34 years with 18 years to serve and the remainder suspended with probation. In addition, Green was ordered to have no contact with the victim and must undergo domestic violence counseling.
Had the case proceeded to trial, the State was prepared to prove that on February 12, 2014, Frank Green assaulted his girlfriend in her residence. Upon returning home that evening, the victim found Green hiding in her closet. He jumped out and started stabbing the victim with a steak knife and a box cutter while attempting to strangle her. The defendant then fled the residence. The victim made her way to a neighbor's home, who called E-911. During the investigation, it was determined that Green was in violation of a no contact order issued by the District Court three days prior to the attack.
The defendant has remained held without bail since he was arrested by North Providence Police a short time after the assault.
"The cooperation of a victim of domestic violence plays a critical role in the successful prosecution of the abuser. The team of specialized prosecutors and victim advocates in our Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse Unit understand the often emotional, physical and financial pull many abusers have on their victims, and work to earn the trust and faith of victims, creating a safe space for them as the case makes its way through the criminal justice system," said Attorney General Kilmartin.
The investigation was led by North Providence Police Detective Daniel Cennamo and Special Assistant Attorney General Amy Dodge of the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Unit prosecuted the case on behalf the Office of Attorney General.