South Kingstown man sentenced to state prison for sexual assault

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A South Kingstown man was sentenced to seven years at the Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI) for the sexual assault of a woman in August of 2022.

John Celico, 30, was sentenced in Washington County Superior Court to 15 years with seven to serve at the ACI and an eight-year suspended sentence with 15 years of probation.

Celico was also issued a no-contact order with the victim and must register as a sex offender and enter sex offender counseling.

The incident took place in a South Kingstown residence, and the victim used her phone to record audio of the conversation before the assault, and the assault itself.

“It takes great courage to come forward as this victim did, and in doing so, she serves as a great reminder to other victims that justice is indeed possible,” said Attorney General Peter Neronha.

“Additionally, I want to thank the South Kingstown Police Department for their commitment to delivering justice in this case and many others.”