Neroha: Central Falls Man Who Molested Girl Heading To Prison

A Central Falls man has been sentenced to nine years in prison after pleading nolo contendre, or no contest, to one count of first-degree child molestation.

Christopher Piloto, 37, molested a girl under the age of 14 at a residence in Central Falls, and the victim was known to him, said Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha in a news release. Prosecutors say criminal activity occurred between January 1 and June 30, 2015.

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Neronha said the state was prepared to prove Piloto's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt had the matter gone to trial.

On May 6 in Providence County Superior Court, Justice Maureen B. Keough sentenced Piloto to 25 years at the ACI with nine years to serve and the balance suspended with probation. Piloto was ordered to register as a sex offender, complete sex offender counseling, and is subject to community supervision. The court also issued a no contact order between Piloto and his victim.

Neronha thanked the victim for coming forward and said he admires the strength and resiliency she showed throughout the process.

“In an ideal world, all children would be free of hunger and inadequate shelter, have access to an effective education, and have ample recreational opportunities,” Neronha stated. “All children would grow up safe, surrounded and nurtured by those who love them. But we do not live in that world. There are children who not only don’t have access to such basic needs, but worse, are exploited – sexually and otherwise – by those around them.“

Neronha said the defendant “inflicted enormous harm upon the victim, and he deserves every year of his lengthy prison sentence.”

“I credit the strength and courage of the victim, along with the professionalism and dedication by members of the Central Falls Police, especially Detective Sarah McNulty, and members of the Attorney General’s Office on this case,” said Colonel Anthony Roberson, the Central Falls Chief of Police.

Assistant Attorney General Shannon Signore and Detective McNulty led the investigation and prosecution of the case.