PROVIDENCE, R.I. — In a highly publicized trial, a jury has acquitted former Rhode Island high school basketball coach Aaron Thomas of second-degree child molestation and second-degree sexual assault. Instead, the jury found Thomas guilty of a lesser charge, misdemeanor battery, in a verdict delivered on Monday.
The case centered around Thomas’s controversial practice of conducting “naked fat tests” on male student-athletes at North Kingstown High School. Over several decades, Thomas asked hundreds of students if they were “shy or not shy” before instructing them to undress for body fat checks. The jury’s decision followed a nearly six-week trial that captivated the local community.
Defense and Prosecution Arguments
Throughout the trial, Thomas’s defense team maintained that while the tests were inappropriate, they did not constitute a crime. Defense attorney John MacDonald emphasized that Thomas did not perform the tests for sexual gratification, a critical element required for the original charges.
“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,” said John MacDonald.
Conversely, prosecutors argued that Thomas had devised a program that gave him unfettered access to young, naked boys. Attorney General Peter Neronha expressed disappointment in the verdict, highlighting the impact on the victims.
“Above all else, this case is about the victims who suffered greatly behind closed doors. Pseudo-science is not an excuse for abuse, nor is winning more important than well-being,” stated Neronha.
Legal Implications and Sentencing
The legal proceedings against Thomas were limited by Rhode Island’s statute of limitations for second-degree assault, which is currently three years. Neronha has advocated for extending this period to ten years, which could have allowed for additional charges.
Under state 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 specifically related to incidents involving two former students, one of whom was under 14 years old at the time. These incidents occurred in September 2000 and February 2002.
Testimonies and Expert Opinions
During the trial, Thomas testified that he had conducted these tests on more than 600 students throughout his career, with approximately 80% of them removing their underwear. The tests involved pinching various areas of the body, including near the groin and buttocks, and were conducted in private settings.
Thomas admitted that removing underwear was not necessary for the tests. Body fat composition experts testified that pinching near the groin is not scientifically supported as a method for determining body fat.
More than a dozen students, law enforcement officers, body composition experts, and former school officials provided testimony during the trial. The defense questioned the reliability of the former students’ testimonies, citing mental health issues and motives related to a separate civil lawsuit.
Community Reaction and Moving Forward
The trial and its outcome have sparked significant discussion within the community about the responsibilities of educators and the protection of students. While the verdict has brought some closure, it has also highlighted ongoing concerns about the adequacy of current laws in addressing similar cases.
As the community awaits Thomas’s sentencing, the case serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between trust in educational environments and the need for vigilance to protect students from potential abuse.
Looking ahead, the outcome of this case may influence legislative efforts to extend the statute of limitations for similar offenses, ensuring that justice can be pursued more effectively in the future.
