Aaron Thomas found not guilty on child molestation and sexual assault charges, guilty of simple battery

WAKEFIELD, R.I. (WLNE) — The jury in the “naked fat test” trial of former North Kingstown High School basketball coach Aaron Thomas reached a verdict Monday.

Thomas was found not guilty of second degree child molestation/sexual assault, a felony in count one.

He was found guilty of the lesser offense of simple battery in count one.

In count two, Thomas was found not guilty of second degree sexual assault and guilty of simple battery.

“We’d like to thank the jury for their attention, their hard work, and for their verdict. We are very satisfied that the jury saw the case as we saw it — no sexual intent whatsoever,” said Thomas’ attorney John MacDonald.

The misdemeanor charge is punishable by up to one year in prison, according to MacDonald.

A judge will determine the sentence on June 26.

In a statement, Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha said:

“Above all else, this case is about the victims who suffered greatly behind closed doors. And despite what the defendant and his defense would have you believe, pseudo-science is not an excuse for abuse, nor is winning more important than well-being. We believe that what took place here was not just bad judgment, it was, and always has been, criminal conduct.

“This case shed light on an issue this Office has attempted to tackle for several years. In Rhode Island, the statute of limitation for second-degree sexual assault is three years. Since 2022, this Office has introduced legislation to extend the second-degree sexual assault lookback period, so that we can seek and achieve justice on behalf of future victims in cases like this one. Had the statute of limitations been 10 years rather than three during the commission of these crimes, we could have, and would have, charged the defendant with many more crimes.

“The trauma experienced by victims of sexual assault shows up in many different ways. Some immediately come forward; some experience significant shame and guilt and come forward later; and unfortunately, some may deal with their pain quietly forever. No matter the case, we need to collectively foster supportive environments where victims feel safe in coming forward. And part of that feeling of safety is knowing that legal justice is available to them for longer than three years.

“Finally, I want to express my deep gratitude to the brave victims who told their stories, whether on the stand or to investigators. Please remember this: your exceptional courage here is not invalidated by this verdict.”