Aaron Thomas acquitted of sex charges in “Naked Fat Test” case, convicted of battery

NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. — A Washington County jury reached a verdict Friday in the high-profile “Naked Fat Test” trial of former North Kingstown High School basketball coach Aaron Thomas.

After more than a month of testimony, the jury found Thomas not guilty of second-degree child molestation and not guilty of second-degree sexual assault. He was found guilty of two counts of misdemeanor simple battery, lesser charges stemming from the same incidents.

The case centered around Thomas’ controversial practice of conducting what was called “naked fat testing” on student-athletes, during which several former students testified they were instructed to remove their clothing so he could measure body fat by pinching areas near their groin.

With the jury’s decision, Thomas avoids the potential decades-long prison sentence that could have accompanied felony convictions, but still faces consequences for the battery charges.

A sentencing date has yet to be determined.