Westerly man sentenced to ten years in prison for multiple counts of sexual assault of girl

September 5, 2024, 5:01 p.m. • Last updated: September 5, 2024, 5:01 p.m.

Westerly – Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha announced Thursday that a Westerly man has been sentenced to 10 years in an adult correctional facility for sexually abusing a girl under the age of 14 in 2021 and 2022.

At a hearing on Wednesday, 28-year-old Brian Sousa pleaded no contest to two counts of first-degree child abuse and one count of second-degree child abuse.

Judge Melanie Wilk Thunberg sentenced Sousa to 25 years in prison, with 15 years suspended, followed by 25 years probation. He must register as a sex offender, comply with all legal requirements related to sex offender registration, and complete sex offender counseling.

“Child sexual assault is one of the most difficult cases we prosecute for everyone involved,” said Attorney General Neronha. “In this case, the victim demonstrated extraordinary courage and helped bring her attacker to justice for his crimes. I am grateful to the Westerly Police Department for their investigative work in this and many other cases.”

Nerona's office said prosecutors are prepared to prove that Sousa sexually abused a victim under the age of 14 on multiple occasions in 2021 and 2022 at a residence in Westerly.

“My deepest sympathies go out to the victim in this case and I commend her courage in bringing the perpetrator to justice,” said Westerly Police Chief Paul J. Gingerella. “I am incredibly proud of the diligent work of the Westerly Police Department, in conjunction with the Attorney General's Office, to ensure that this defendant no longer poses a threat to our community.”

Assistant Attorney General Mark Trovato and Westerly Police Lt. Dana Gervasini led the investigation and prosecution of Sousa.