A jury found former Rhode Island high school coach Aaron Thomas guilty of misdemeanor battery while acquitting him of more serious charges of second-degree child molestation and sexual assault. Defense attorneys argued that Thomas's "naked fat tests," conducted over decades, were inappropriate but not criminal, emphasizing a lack of sexual intent. Meanwhile, prosecutors highlighted the unjust nature of the coach's actions, deeming them criminal, with Attorney General Peter Neronha denouncing the misuse of pseudo-science as justification for abuse.
Defense attorney John MacDonald expressed gratitude to the jury for recognizing that the case had no sexual intent, saying, "We are very satisfied that the jury saw the case as we saw it."
Attorney General Peter Neronha emphasized the seriousness of the case, stating, "This case is about the victims who suffered greatly behind closed doors... pseudo-science is not an excuse for abuse."
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