Former Providence teacher convicted of child molestation

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A former Kizirian Elementary School gym teacher was convicted of molesting a minor female and assaulting three other minor females between 2014 and 2017.

James Duffy, 59, was found guilty of one count of second-degree child molestation and four counts of simple assault on May 10 after a four-day jury trial in Providence County Superior Court.

The incidents occurred during physical education classes and lunch periods at the Providence school.

“The bravery of the victims involved in these cases has been invaluable, resulting in the defendant being held accountable for his crimes,” said Providence Police Colonel Oscar L. Perez, Jr.

Duffy will be sentenced on July 11.