Warwick Man Sentenced For Molesting Child In Coventry And Providence

COVENTRY, RI —A Warwick man was sentenced to 15 years in state prison after pleading to sexually assault a boy under 14 between 2014 and 2016 in Coventry and Providence, Attorney General Peter Neronha said Monday.

At a hearing in Providence Superior Court on Feb. 9, Michael Elgar, 41, pleaded nolo contendere to two counts of first-degree child molestation. During the hearing, Justice Richard Raspallo sentenced Elgar to 30 years in prison, with 15 years to serve at the ACI in Cranston and a 15-year suspended sentence.

"The words are difficult to say, but this is truth: this defendant sexually assaulted a boy he knew, repeatedly, over a number of years," Neronha said. "No sentence is long enough, and nothing can undo the devastating harm the defendant’s conduct visited on his young victim. But that courageous boy stood up, came forward, and ensured that this defendant will no longer be in a position to harm others. I am so grateful to him and his family. I am also grateful to the Providence and Coventry police departments for their outstanding work in this case."

Had the case proceeded to trial, prosecutors said they were prepared to prove that between 2014 and 2016, Elgar sexually assaulted a boy, who was known to him, at a residence in Providence and a location in Coventry.

The victim reported the assaults to law enforcement in 2021.

"I commend the young victim in this case for coming forward and exhibiting great courage throughout the investigation and prosecution of this case," Coventry Police Chief Frederick Heise said. "These cases have a profound impact on so many connected to the victim, whether it be family or the greater community. I thank the members of the Coventry and Providence police departments and the Office of the Attorney General who worked diligently on this case to ensure that justice was served."

Elgar must also serve 30 years of probation, register as a sex offender, complete sex offender counseling and be subject to GPS monitoring for life. The court also ordered Elgar to have no contact with his victim.