WBOB Original Reads

Woonsocket Police Officer Guilty of 2nd Degree Child Abuse

10/9/2014

Superior Court Justice Daniel A. Procaccini found Patrick Cahill, age 25, with a last known address of 25 Newport Street, Woonsocket, guilty of one count of second degree child abuse. Sentencing is scheduled for December 8, 2014.

During the course of the seven-day, jury waived trial, the State proved that on August 20, 2012, Patrick Cahill physically abused his nine-year-old sister while she was in his care. The victim immediately reported the assault to her mother, who in turn reported it to the Woonsocket Police Department.

Cahill, who is employed by the Woonsocket Police Department, has been on unpaid administrative leave since the time of his arrest.

“Child abuse by the hands of an individual who is sworn to uphold the law and protect all people is especially reprehensible and disturbing,” said Attorney General Peter Kilmartin. “Regardless of the position of power someone may hold, the abuse of a child is never appropriate and will not be tolerated by my office.”

Woonsocket Police Detective Justin Glode led the investigation and Special Assistant Attorney General Ania Zielinski of the Child Abuse Unit prosecuted the case on behalf of the Office of Attorney General