Cross examination begins for Aaron Thomas in ‘naked fat test’ scandal

WAKEFIELD, R.I. (WLNE) — Aaron Thomas was back on the stand for the fourth day testifying in his own defense in the “naked fat test” scandal, with prosecutors given a chance to cross examine the former coach.

“Are you shy or not shy? That’s the question, right? The question you have asked hundreds of high school boys over the years,” Assistant Attorney General Tim Healey asked.

The former North Kingstown High School basketball coach confirmed with prosecutors on cross-examination he lied during an investigation that began back in 2018, specifically about the students being naked in his office for the test.

Prosecutors questioned Thomas on the language he used with the student-athletes and are wondering why his consent form was not clear that students would be nude for the fat test.

“Over the years, there were students that were confused by that question,” stated the prosecutor.

Thomas confirmed there was confusion.

Back in 2022, Thomas pled not guilty after a months-long investigation into allegations against him by both North Kingstown police and the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office.

He was charged with one count of second-degree child molestation and one count of second-degree sexual assault.

Prosecutors said Thomas knew students could have done the test with clothing on based on research, so the prosecution’s side was wondering why he continued to ask students to strip for the fitness test.

“I was set in my ways,” said Thomas. “I don’t want to call it arrogance, but I was being arrogant about it; that this was working. It was producing the results we wanted. I was hearing no negative feedback, so I just kept going.”

Thomas’ case will pick back up May 8 when he’s expected to testify for a fifth day.