NORTH PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — A North Providence middle school teacher who was arrested Monday has been indicted on sexual assault charges, according to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office.
Matthew Moniz, 52, of Barrington, was arraigned Tuesday via video-conference in Providence Superior Court on two counts of first-degree sexual assault, one count of second-degree sexual assault, and one count of third-degree sexual assault.
The alleged incidents took place in East Providence between Feb. 1, 2019, and June 30, 2019, the AG’s office said, and all involved one juvenile victim, a girl between 14 and 16 years of age.
Prosecutors allege Moniz had sex with the girl while she was physically helpless.
The victim was not a student at Ricci Middle School, where Moniz was employed at the time.
The North Providence School Department has since placed Moniz on leave.
The investigation is being conducted by East Providence police.
Moniz was ordered held without bail at the ACI until his next court appearance, which was scheduled for next Tuesday. The judge also approved a no-contact order between Moniz and his alleged victim.
