Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin announced that on Friday, David Pope (age 50), of Cranston, pleaded nolo contendere before Superior Court Justice Susan E. McGuirl to one count of first degree child molestation. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Pope was sentenced to 30 years with 10 years to serve and the remainder suspended with probation. In addition, Pope was ordered to have no contact with the victim, must undergo sex offender counseling, and is subject to lifetime community notification, registration, and GPS monitoring. Pope also pleaded nolo contendere to one count of fraudulent use of a credit card from 2008 and was ordered to pay restitution of approximately $19,000.
Had the case proceeded to trial, the State was prepared to prove that between 2007 and 2010, Pope molested a minor with whom he had a close relationship.
"Child molestation cases, especially those perpetrated at the hands of someone in a position of trust, are possibly the most difficult cases to prosecute. The emotional toll on all involved is tremendous. Yet, throughout the prosecution of such a case, it is often the resiliency and strength of the victims that provide the police, prosecutors and victim advocates with the determination and drive to continue the fight in getting justice for the victims," said Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin.
The Court granted the defendant a stay of execution until June 15, 2015, at which date he will be remanded to the custody of the Adult Correctional Institution.
Cranston Police Sergeant Edward Walsh (ret.) led the investigation and Special Assistant Attorneys General Sara Tindall-Woodman and Amy Dodge prosecuted the case on behalf of the Office of Attorney General.