Context:

Jurors are deliberating in the trial of Aaron Thomas, a former Rhode Island high school basketball coach accused of child molestation and sexual assault for conducting naked body fat tests on student-athletes. Thomas, who served at North Kingstown High School for nearly 30 years, allegedly performed tests that involved inappropriate touching without other adults present, which the defense argues lacked sexual intent. Prosecutors, however, claim Thomas exploited his authority to prey on vulnerable boys under the pretense of legitimate athletic testing. The defense emphasizes Thomas's loss of career and reputation as consequences already faced, while the prosecution highlights the impact of alleged abuse on the victims. The trial, which lasted six weeks, featured testimonies from over a dozen student-athletes and other witnesses, with the jury also considering a lesser charge of misdemeanor battery if they do not find Thomas guilty of sexual assault.

Dive Deeper:

• Aaron Thomas, a former basketball coach, is on trial for child molestation and sexual assault, accused of conducting inappropriate body fat tests on hundreds of male student-athletes at North Kingstown High School over nearly three decades.

• Thomas's defense argues that the tests, which involved touching the groin area, were not intended for sexual gratification but rather for athletic purposes, despite not being backed by body composition experts and conducted without other adults present.

• Prosecutors assert that Thomas used the guise of legitimate testing to gain access to naked boys, exploiting his stature and authority to intimidate and prey on smaller, vulnerable students.

• During the trial, Thomas admitted to lying to law enforcement about the necessity of removing underwear for the tests and expressed regret for any discomfort caused to the student-athletes, claiming his intention was to gain a competitive advantage.

• The credibility of the two primary witnesses, whose allegations are central to the charges, was challenged by the defense, who noted their mental health issues and potential financial motivations, while the prosecution attributed these struggles to the abuse suffered.

• Throughout the six-week trial, testimonies were heard from student-athletes, law enforcement, and experts, with the jury instructed to consider a lesser charge of misdemeanor battery if they do not find sufficient evidence for sexual assault.

• The case has raised significant attention due to the long-standing nature of Thomas's alleged actions and the impact on the student-athletes involved, with deliberations focusing on the intent and consequences of his conduct.