NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WPRI) — A North Kingstown man will spend 17 years behind bars for sexually assaulting a minor between 2019 and 2020, R.I. Attorney General Peter Neronha announced Friday.

Daniel Peckham, 36, pleaded no contest Wednesday to two counts of first-degree child molestation.

Had the case gone to trial, prosecutors said they were prepared to prove that Peckham sexually assaulted a child under the age of 14, who was known to him, multiple times in North Kingstown.

Peckham was sentenced to 40 years, with 17 to serve and the remainder suspended with probation. He was also ordered to register as a sex offender, attend counseling, and remain under community supervision. Additionally, the judge issued a no-contact order between Peckham and the victim.

"Far too often, victims of sexual assault suffer in silence, and perpetrators get away with their terrible crimes because they go unreported," Neronha said. "Thankfully, this victim demonstrated remarkable bravery in coming forward. When victims feel safe to come forward, we are able to hold accountable perpetrators of sexual violence and keep our communities safer."