Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin announced that Ricardo Franco (age 40), of Central Falls, was sentenced today by Superior Court Justice Brian P. Stern to 45 years, with 30 years to serve and the remainder suspended with probation, for three counts of first degree child molestation. In addition, Franco was ordered to have no contact with the victim, must undergo sex offender counseling, and is subject to lifetime sex offender registration and community notification.
Franco was found guilty in May of three counts of first degree child molestation after a five-day trial presided over by Superior Court Justice Brian P. Stern.
During the trial, the State proved that on or about multiple dates between February 18, 2014 and July 1, 2014, the defendant sexually molested a 12-year-old female. The victim reported the abuse to a relative who, in turn, contacted the police.
Central Falls Police led the investigation and Special Assistant Attorney General Laura Nicholson prosecuted the case on behalf of the Office of Attorney General.