Police Charge Man, 33, With Rape

An East Providence man, 33, has been charged with first-degree domestic sexual assault – the legal term for rape.

Joseph A. McDevitt, 33, of 71 Washington Ave., allegedly assaulted an 18-year-old woman from behind while she was sleeping on a sofa. Detectives are still investigating the charge, according to East Providence police.

The sexual assault allegedly occurred on Sunday, Sept. 23. The man reportedly admitted to police that he had been drinking and did masturbate while standing behind the sleeping woman.

The woman was treated for sexual assault after the alleged attack, according to the police report.

First-degree sexual assault is defined as an act of engaging in sexual penetration using force or coercion or if the victim is deemed to be physically helpless, mentally disabled or incapacitated, and the accused is aware of that fact. RI laws call for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison if the accused is convicted.