By Sam Wroblewski 630wpro.com
Several photos released on social media allegedly depict the injuries sustained by the female victim of a domestic assault incident involving a Cranston municipal court judge.
According to WJAR, Judge Thomas Ricci was arrested by East Greenwich Police Monday after an altercation between himself and his girlfriend. Ricci reportedly sustained minor injuries to his face, back, and chest, while the unnamed woman received injuries to her throat, forearms and knees.
Ricci was charged with simple assault and disorderly conduct.
The photos posted to Facebook show a woman with extensive bruising across the front of her neck, with claims they were caused by Ricci. WPRO’s John DePetro, who reportedly was in contact with the woman, said that if the allegations are true, Ricci was not charged severely enough.
“That is incredible if that came of the hands of a sitting judge,” said DePetro “That to me does not look like simple assault and disorderly conduct.”
The Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence released a statement urging law enforcement to continue their investigation and reconsider the simple assault charge.
“In 2012, the Rhode Island General Assembly revised the domestic violence law by classifying the crime of strangulation as a felony,” reads the statement.
“When law enforcement investigates domestic violence incidents committed by alleged abusers in positions of legal authority, they send the message that in Rhode Island there is never any reason to excuse abuse or any batterer.”
Cranston Mayor Allan Fung also released a statement urging to city council to monitor the case and to take action if necessary.
“Domestic violence is simply unacceptable under any circumstances period. People and especially a public official at any level must be held accountable for engaging in this behavior.”
East Greenwich Police say their investigation is ongoing.
A message was left with Ricci’s office for comment.
