PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — A Providence city councilman has resigned from his position as majority leader but is keeping his council seat after being arrested on charges he misused campaign funds and embezzled more than $127,000 from a youth organization.
Kevin Jackson sent letters announcing he’s stepping down as majority leader and finance committee member.
Council President Luis Aponte said Thursday he accepted Jackson’s decision. “I have accepted Councilman Jackson’s decision to step down from his roles as Majority Leader and member of the Finance Committee,” said Aponte. “I respect his decision and I wish him well.”
Fellow Councilman Seth Yurdin says his resignation from those posts is not enough. “It is a sad day for the City of Providence to have a sitting council member arrested on criminal charges of embezzlement, filing false documents, appropriating campaign funds and violating campaign finance laws,” said Yurdin. “Kevin Jackson needs to immediately step down from his position as Majority Leader of the Council and resign his seat. This is the third action taken by the State of Rhode Island against Jackson while he has served on the Council – this criminal action following two separate civil actions. His continued presence on the council is a distraction from the serious challenges that Providence faces. Residents of Providence and all of Rhode Island deserve better.”
Jackson is charged with felony embezzlement, unlawful appropriation over $1,000 and related crimes. He was released on personal recognizance Wednesday. His attorney has said he’ll get a vigorous defense.
Jackson has represented the city’s Hope and Mount Hope neighborhoods since 1995.
