Central Falls man convicted on multiple counts of child molestation

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Attorney General Peter Neronha said a Central Falls man was found guilty of multiple counts of child molestation from incidents between 2015 and 2017.

According to court documents, 65-year-old Celestino Ribeiro molested two female victims under the age of 14, who were known to him, at homes in Pawtucket and Central Falls.

Officials said one of the victims reported the abuse to their school nurse after learning about “bad touching” in health class in 2017. A school social worker then spoke to the other victim, who too confirmed molestation by the defendant.

On June 8, after a six-day jury trial, Ribeiro was found guilty of three counts of first-degree child molestation and three counts of second degree child molestation.

Ribeiro is currently being held without bail at the Adult Correctional Institutions pending a sentencing hearing scheduled for a later date.

“The victims in this case not only had to endure unimaginable abuse at the hands of this defendant, but also had to endure facing their abuser during their court testimony. There are no words to describe the admiration I have for their courage,” said Neronha.

“I want to thank the prosecution team and the Central Falls Police Department who have all done an outstanding job in the investigation and prosecution of this case,” Neronha continued. “And most of all I want to thank the jury for delivering justice, vindicating the victims, and holding this defendant accountable.”