Cranston Police arrest a private school teacher and local restaurant owner for allegations of sexual assault reported by two female employees

Colonel Michael J. Winquist, Chief of the Cranston Police Department, announces that a local restaurant owner and private school teacher was arrested this afternoon for two counts of second degree sexual assault.  Two female employees alleged that they were assaulted by the business owner inside his restaurant identified as PieZoni’s, located at 40 Sockanosset Cross Road., Cranston, Rhode Island.

On November 3, 2015, Detectives assigned to the Cranston Police Department, Special Victims Unit received two separate complaints from a juvenile and an adult female who both allege that the owner of the business, identified as Lee Mogavero, age 46, of 9 Paquin Drive, Barrington, Rhode Island, engaged in a pattern of behavior of sexual harassment and inappropriate touching.  The alleged assaults occurred over the past few months.

During the course of the investigation, Detectives learned that in addition to operating the restaurant, Mr. Mogavero is also a High School teacher at St. Mary’s Bayview Academy, East Providence, Rhode Island.  Both victims are current or former students at the school, which is how they became familiar with Mr. Mogavero.

On November 4, 2015, Special Victim Unit Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Mogavero who was arrested at his business.    Mr. Mogavero was arraigned this afternoon at the Third District Court in Warwick on two counts of Second Degree Sexual Assault.

During the course of the investigation, it was learned that there may be additional victims who were employed at the restaurant.  Detectives have been in contact with school administrators from St. Mary’s Bayview Academy and the East Providence Police Department as the investigation continues. Anyone with additional information can contact Special Victim’s Unit Detective Michael Iacone (401) 477-5062.