Former Chairman of Westerly Democratic Town Committee pleads not guilty to sexual assault charges

WESTERLY, R.I. (WLNE) — The former chairman of the Westerly Democratic Town Committee was arraigned Wednesday on sexual assault charges.

Robert Ritacco appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to two counts of first degree sexual assault.

Ritacco’s bond was set at $20,000 and he was released after posting 10% ($2,000). He was ordered to have no contact with the victim in the case.

The Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office said the alleged acts happened in May 2021, but Ritacco wasn’t indicted until April.

A representative for Westerly Democratic Town Committee said they asked for Ritacco’s resignation when he was indicted in April, but he declined.

Ritacco was voted out and replaced by the committee in May.

Ritacco also served on the Westerly Town Council in the 1990s.