Providence man convicted of sexually abusing three girls under 18

One of the sexual assaults, committed by Brian Watson, 34, of Providence, allegedly occurred at a Cranston hotel, prosecutors say.

June 24, 2024, 11:46 a.m. EDT

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A Providence man was sentenced to 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to sexually abusing three girls under the age of 18, Attorney General Peter Neronha said Monday.

At a court hearing on June 12, 34-year-old Brian Watson pleaded no contest to two counts of first-degree child abuse and one count of sexual assault.

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“I commend the incredible courage of these victims in overcoming their pain and coming forward to hold the defendant accountable,” Neronha said. “No punishment can undo the pain this defendant has caused, but I hope this decision provides some measure of comfort to the victims and their families.”

Had the case gone to trial, prosecutors said they could have proven that Watson abused two girls under the age of 14 he knew at a home in Providence between August 1, 2023, and November 27, 2023. Additionally, on or about March 3, 2023, Watson had sexual contact with a girl he knew under the age of 18. Prosecutors said that sexual assault took place at a Cranston hotel.

The Providence and Cranston police departments began investigating Watson after the youngest of the three victims reported to a mandatory reporter at her school.

“I want to thank the (Rhode Island) Attorney General’s office and our hard-working investigators for the successful investigation and prosecution of this offender, and I am grateful to the victims for their courage in making this possible,” said Colonel Oscar Perez of the Providence Police Department. “These cases are never easy for the victims’ families, and the Providence Police Department hopes this verdict aids the healing process.”

After his prison sentence, Watson will serve 40 years of probation, must register as a sex offender for life, and must have no contact with his victims.

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