PROVIDENCE – A Glocester man has been found guilty following a jury trial in Providence County Superior Court of multiple counts of child molestation against a female victim under the age of 14 between 2005 and 2009.
James Ballou, 45, was found guilty of one count of first-degree child molestation and two counts of second-degree child molestation by the jury on Tuesday, Feb. 6 following the conclusion of a 12-day trial before Superior Court Justice Daniel Procaccini.
Ballou is currently being held without bail at the Adult Correctional Institutions pending a sentencing hearing to be scheduled later.
“Sexual assaults against children have devastating, lifelong impacts on victims,” said Attorney General Peter Neronha in announcing the verdict. “So often these terrible crimes go unreported, leaving child victims to suffer in silence. And yet, just as in this case, justice is possible when victims come forward to hold their attackers accountable. The bravery of the victim in this case is beyond admirable and the defendant will now finally face consequences for his crimes.”
“I commend the Burrillville and Glocester Police Departments for helping to deliver justice through their outstanding police work and advocacy,” Neronha added in a statement.
According to the attorney general, during the trial, the state proved beyond a reasonable doubt that between 2005 and 2009, the defendant sexually assaulted a female victim under the age of 14, who was known to him, at homes in Glocester and Burrillville.
“I am thankful to the victim for coming forward and telling her story,” said Burrillville Police Chief Col. Stephen Lynch. “The defendant has finally been held accountable for his actions and our community is safer for it. I am thankful for the hard work of our officers and investigators, in both the Burrillville and Glocester Police Departments as well as the Office of the Attorney General, for their investigation and prosecution of this case.”
Special Asst. Attorneys General Ania Zielinski and Danielle Beauvais of the Office of the Attorney General; Det. Lt. Guy Riendeau and Det. Lt. Jason Cahill of the Burrillville Police Department; and Sgt. Kimberly Bertholic of the Glocester Police Department led the investigation and prosecution of the case.
Another reason we need an express lane to the Death Penalty!
Now if only they can get the rest of That family and the Muller boys not birth! Not Anthony not Martin!