Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin announced that yesterday, Joshua Rathbun (age 41), formerly of Westerly and currently of Utah, was found guilty by a jury of two counts of first degree child molestation in a trial presided over by Superior Court Justice Melanie Wilk Thunberg.
During the eight-day trial, the State proved that Rathbun molested a girl, who was known to him, on diverse dates between 2003 and 2006. The abuse began when the victim was four years of age and ended when she was seven years of age. She reported the abuse to her mother when she was 13 years of age. The victim's mother reported the abuse to the Rhode Island State Police.
"By sharing her story of the abuse with her family, the police, and ultimately the Court, this young victim was able to take back the control and power her abuser had stolen from her. She showed tremendous strength and resolve by facing her abuser in court, and I hope this case gives courage to other victims of child molestation and sexual abuse to come forward to get help and justice," said Attorney General Peter Kilmartin.
Rhode Island State Police Detective Richard Ptaszek led the investigation. Assistant Attorney General Mark Trovato prosecuted the case on behalf of the Office of Attorney General.