Rhode Island man receives stiff sentence after conviction on seven counts of first-degree child molestation

Providence, R.I. – A man from Coventry has been convicted in Kent County Superior Court on several charges of child molestation.

In September, after a five-day trial presided over by Superior Court Justice Brian Van Couyghen, jurors convicted 65-year-old David Ouellette on seven counts of first-degree child molestation.

According to the Coventry Police Department, on Friday, Ouelette was sentenced to life plus 30 years for his crimes.

“Children deserve a protected and stable upbringing,” stated Attorney General Neronha. “This survivor showed tremendous strength, enabling us to seek accountability for the prolonged suffering inflicted by someone she trusted. By standing with survivors and encouraging them to speak out, we enhance community safety case by case. I’m thankful to the Coventry Police Department for their collaboration on this challenging matter.”

At trial, prosecutors proved that Ouellette sexually assaulted a young female known to him between 1998 and 2002.

“I applaud the young survivor for stepping forward and displaying remarkable resilience during the inquiry and legal process,” remarked Coventry Police Chief Benjamin H. Witt. “I appreciate the hard work of Coventry Police personnel and the Attorney General’s Office in securing this outcome.”

The case was investigated and prosecuted by Special Assistant Attorneys General Arthur DeFelice and Megan Andrews from the Attorney General’s Office, along with Detective Paul G. Pacheco of the Coventry Police Department.