RI Man, 65, Found Guilty Of Molesting Two Young Girls

PROVIDENCE, RI – A 65-year-old Central Falls man was found guilty Thursday of multiple counts of child molestation against two girls under the age of 14 between 2015 and 2017, the state attorney general said in a Tuesday news release.

After a 6-day trial, the jury found Celestino Ribeiro guilty of three counts of first-degree child molestation and three counts of second-degree child molestation, officials said. He is currently being held without bail pending a sentencing hearing which has not yet been scheduled.

“The victims in this case not only had to endure unimaginable abuse at the hands of this defendant, but also had to endure facing their abuser during their court testimony," Attorney General Peter F. Neronha said in the news release."There are no words to describe the admiration I have for their courage ... And most of all I want to thank the jury for delivering justice, vindicating the victims, and holding this defendant accountable.”

Ribeiro knew both of the victims and the crimes took place at homes in Pawtucket and Central Falls, officials said.

In 2017, one of the victims reported the molestation to their school nurse after learning about “bad touching” in health class, according to officials. A school social worker then spoke to the other victim, who also confirmed molestation by the defendant.

“Detectives from the Central Falls Police Department worked very diligently with the members of the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office to ensure that this defendant was brought to justice,” said Central Falls Police Chief Anthony Roberson. “Sexual assaults against minors have a resounding and devastating effect on the victims and their families. We are indebted to the victims for providing their full cooperation, assistance, and brave voice throughout these criminal proceedings.”