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WPRO News and the Associated Press
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – The husband of a Rhode Island state lawmaker has been sentenced to four years in prison on federal credit card and social security fraud charges.
Henry Fellela Jr. was also sentenced Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Providence to three years of probation.
Fellela, of Johnston, acknowledged in court he received $58,000 in Social Security benefits after fraudulently listing in his 2004 application that he had no permanent address. The prosecutor said that incorrectly left the impression that he was homeless.
The 56-year-old Fellela also acknowledged fraudulently using stolen credit cards to make nearly $83,000 in purchases, including electronics, clothing, gas and gift cards.
Fellela pleaded guilty to five counts, including identity theft and theft of government funds. He is married to Democratic state Rep. Deborah Fellela of Johnston.
