Judge dismisses sexual assault charges against former NHL player from Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Former professional hockey player and Rhode Island native Clark Donatelli had sexual assault charges dismissed against him Wednesday.

Following a bench trial, Judge Daniel Procaccini dismissed all four counts of second degree sexual assault that was levied against Donatelli.

“The not guilty finding represents a complete legal exoneration and vindicates Mr. Donatelli’s insistence of innocence,” said Donatelli’s attorney Craig Montecalvo.

“Mr. Donateli, and his family, deeply appreciate the professionalism of the Superior Court and are thankful that this legal matter has finally and permanently been resolved in their favor,” added Montecalvo.

Donatelli was indicted on the charges in 2021. The alleged encounter took place in Providence in 2018 and involved a 46-year-old woman.

Donatelli, who had two brief stints in the NHL as a player, resigned as head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins minor league affiliate in 2019 after the allegations came to light.

A civil suit over the reported incident was settled out of court in 2021. 

ABC 6 News has reached out to the attorney general’s office for a response on the dismissal, but have yet to hear back.