Former Kizirian Elementary school gym teacher, James Duffy, has been convicted of child molestation and assault charges in Providence County Superior Court. The announcement was made by Attorney General Peter F. Neronha, who confirmed that the jury found 59-year-old Duffy guilty of one count of second-degree child molestation and four counts of simple assault.
The trial concluded on May 10, 2024, after a four-day jury deliberation presided over by Superior Court Justice Stephen P. Nugent. The sentencing is scheduled for July 11, 2024.
According to Attorney General Neronha, "Every day, parents send their children to school trusting their kids will be well-supervised and well cared for." He added that these crimes have had a lasting impact on the victims and their families. He commended the bravery of the victims for coming forward and thanked the Providence Police Department for their diligent work during the investigation and prosecution.
During the trial, it was proven beyond reasonable doubt that between 2014 and 2017, Duffy sexually assaulted one female student and assaulted three others while working as a physical education teacher at Kizirian Elementary School in Providence. These incidents took place during physical education classes and lunch periods.
Providence Police Colonel Oscar L. Perez Jr. lauded the courage of the victims whose testimonies led to Duffy being held accountable for his actions. He expressed gratitude towards his team for their tireless efforts in ensuring community safety, particularly within schools.
Assistant Attorney General Ania Zielinski, Special Assistant Attorney General Taylor Matook from the Office of the Attorney General, and Sergeant Brian Dyer from the Providence Police Department spearheaded the investigation and prosecution.