By Sam Wroblewski 630wpro.com
Rhode Island State Police announced they have arrested State Representative Joseph Almeida for allegedly misappropriating campaign funds from 2012.
The Deputy Majority Whip was arrested and charged Tuesday for the unlawful appropriated of monies over $1,500.The investigation and ensuing arrest was the result of an audit by the Board of Elections into Almeida’s campaign funds.
State Police say Almeida withdrew $6,748.03 from his campaign account between May and December of 2012.
An investigation revealed Almeida had made cash and withdrawals from the campaign account made payable to him. The Board of Elections made two attempts to rectify the accounts with Almeida, but he failed to respond or provide documentation.
Almeida pleaded not guilty in district court and was released on $10,000 personal recognizance.
In addition, Almeida submitted his letter of resignation to House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello saying he did not wish to harm the leadership team of the state’s Democratic Party.
Mattiello said he was disappointed to learn the news and receive Almeida’s resignation, but the Speaker refused to pass judgement until all the facts are heard.
“Right now I believe he is presumed innocent, only he knows the facts,” said Mattiello.
“I have not spoken to Representative Almeida so I don’t know what the facts of the case are and I leave him to his own decisions.
Almeida could face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $5,000.
