A Foster man has been sentenced to eight years in state prison for child molestation, Attorney General Peter F. Neronha announced today. James Jones, 76, was found guilty by a jury of sexually assaulting two female victims under the age of 14 between 2012 and 2017.
On August 14, 2024, Superior Court Justice Maureen B. Keough sentenced Jones to 25 years with eight years to serve at the Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI) and an 18-year suspended sentence, along with 25 years of probation. Judge Keough also issued a no-contact order between Jones and the victims. Additionally, Jones must register as a sex offender, comply with all statutory requirements relating to sex offender registration, and complete sex offender counseling.
Following a four-day jury trial on May 6, 2024, the jury found Jones guilty of four counts of second-degree child molestation.
“Often, child sexual abuse goes unreported because victims fear the consequences of coming forward, leaving many to deal with this profound trauma alone,” said Attorney General Neronha. “Thankfully, these two victims mustered the courage to tell their story, and now the defendant will face the consequences for his awful crimes. Additionally, I want to thank the Foster Police Department for their efforts in this case.”
During the trial, the State proved beyond a reasonable doubt that between 2012 and 2017, Jones sexually assaulted two female victims known to him at locations in Foster.
“I am grateful for the successful prosecution of this offender, and I am glad he now faces a lengthy prison sentence,” said Foster Police Chief Gina Lindell. “These cases are very difficult on the families and the community. It is our hope that this sentencing will aid in the healing process for the victims and the community.”
Special Assistant Attorney General Jillian Dubois from the Office of the Attorney General and Officer Michael Sullivan from the Foster Police Department led the investigation and prosecution of this case.