PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — The president of the Providence City Council has been charged with embezzlement and misusing campaign finance funds.
Luis Aponte pleaded not guilty to the felony charges Wednesday after being indicted by a statewide grand jury. His lawyer didn’t comment after the arraignment.
The state Board of Elections last year forwarded a report about Aponte to Attorney General Peter Kilmartin’s office. It said it had reason to believe Aponte and his campaign treasurer violated state campaign finance law, which prohibits the use of campaign funds for personal expenses.
Kilmartin’s office declined comment Wednesday.
Aponte, a Democrat, is the second council member to be indicted in a year. Voters in Councilman Kevin Jackson’s ward recalled him from office last week after he was indicted on embezzlement charges. Jackson has maintained his innocence.
WPRI reporter Dan McGowan talked about the indictment and Aponte’s financial troubles with WPRO’s Matt Allen on Wednesday afternoon. LISTEN BELOW:
