Aaron Thomas, 57, who coached at North Kingstown High School from the 1990s until he resigned in 2021, has pleaded not guilty to second-degree child molestation and second-degree sexual assault.

The trial began last month and has involved 10 students testifying against Thomas, with some of the testimony turning emotional as the former students recalled the embarrassment at being pinched with a caliper while naked in front of their coach. One student said Thomas was visibly aroused while conducting the so-called naked fat test.

A key detail surrounding the case is the question Thomas would present to the male athletes, asking if they were “shy or not shy.” Those who said no were asked to strip naked, allowing Thomas to pinch various areas of their bodies, including near their groins and buttocks.