Massachusetts man convicted of sexually assaulting child in Warwick

WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) — A Massachusetts man was convicted on multiple counts of child molestation for a series of assaults over several years at a Warwick home.

Attorney General Peter Neronha said 32-year-old Joao Soares was found guilty on June 5 of sexually assaulting a boy under the age of 14 between 2007 and 2009.

Officials said the victim came forward in 2020 to report the abuse that occurred when he was between the ages of seven and 10.

Soares was convicted on seven counts of first-degree child molestation and one count of second-degree child molestation, according to officials.

“Child molestation forever alters a child’s life and may have lasting ramifications well into adulthood,” Neronha said in a statement. “I commend the courage of the victim in this case for his bravery in coming forward to seek justice.

Soares is being held without bail at the Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI) pending a sentencing hearing scheduled for Aug. 23.

“These cases are tremendously difficult on the families involved and the greater community,” Warwick Chief of Police Colonel Bradford Connor said in a statement. “It is my hope that this guilty verdict will help in the continuous healing process for the victim and his loved ones.”