PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) ─ The new director of a Providence recreation center was arrested Monday and charged with child molestation, according to Providence Police.
Manuel Nunez, 43, of Cranston, faces three counts of first-degree child molestation of a child under 14.
Nunez was hired as the director of the John Rollins Recreation Center just last week on April 5, according to city spokesperson Theresa Agonia. She said Nunez was terminated on Tuesday.
Police said the alleged molestation took place at a privately owned basketball court on Smith Street where Nunez had set up a youth basketball league separate from his new job at the rec center.
On March 31, a woman reported to police that her 13-year-old daughter had been sexually assaulted on several occasions by Nunez, who is known to their family. The girl was a participant in the basketball league, according to police.
City rec centers have been closed due to COVID-19, and had just reopened on Monday.
Court records show Nunez was held without bail following an arraignment Tuesday.
Police say the investigation is ongoing.
