PROVIDENCE, R.I. — In a closely watched case, a jury has found former Rhode Island high school basketball coach Aaron Thomas not guilty of second-degree child molestation and second-degree sexual assault. Instead, the 12 jurors convicted Thomas of a lesser charge, misdemeanor battery, in a verdict delivered Monday.
The trial, which lasted nearly six weeks, centered on accusations that Thomas conducted inappropriate “naked fat tests” on hundreds of male student-athletes over several decades. The jury’s decision to convict on the lesser charge came after attorneys agreed that misdemeanor battery could be considered as an alternative to the more severe charges originally filed against Thomas.
The Trial and Verdict
Throughout the trial, Thomas’s defense team argued that while the tests were inappropriate, they did not constitute a crime. Defense attorney John MacDonald emphasized that Thomas did not engage in the tests for sexual gratification, a key element required for the charges of molestation and sexual assault.
“We’d like to thank the jury for their attention, their hard work, and for their verdict. We are very satisfied that the jury saw the case as we saw it, no sexual intent whatsoever,” MacDonald stated.
However, prosecutors contended that Thomas had created a program that gave him unchecked access to young, naked boys, which they argued was a form of abuse.
“Above all else, this case is about the victims who suffered greatly behind closed doors,” said Attorney General Peter Neronha. “Pseudo-science is not an excuse for abuse, nor is winning more important than well-being.”
Legal Implications and Sentencing
Under Rhode Island law, misdemeanor battery carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison and a possible fine of up to $1,000. Sentencing for Thomas is scheduled for June 26. The charges against Thomas were based on incidents involving two former students, one of whom was under 14 at the time of the alleged offenses in 2000 and 2002.
Attorney General Neronha has previously advocated for extending the statute of limitations for second-degree assault from three to ten years, which would have allowed for more charges in this case.
Background and Testimonies
During the trial, Thomas testified that he had conducted the tests on more than 600 students, with approximately 80% removing their underwear. The procedure involved pinching various parts of the body, including areas near the groin and buttocks. Thomas admitted that removing underwear was unnecessary, and experts testified that pinching near the groin is not a scientifically valid method for determining body fat.
More than a dozen students, along with law enforcement officers, body composition experts, and former school officials, provided testimony. Thomas’s defense questioned the reliability of the accusers’ testimonies, citing mental health struggles and suggesting a financial motive linked to a separate civil lawsuit.
Community Reaction and Future Steps
The case has sparked significant discussion in the community about the responsibilities of educators and the protection of students. Many are calling for stricter oversight and clearer guidelines to prevent similar situations in the future.
As the sentencing date approaches, the community remains divided. Some support the jury’s decision, while others feel that justice was not fully served. The outcome of the sentencing will likely influence ongoing debates about legal reforms and the protection of minors in educational settings.
Meanwhile, the broader implications of this case continue to resonate, prompting discussions about the balance between authority and accountability in schools across the nation.
