Ex-RI lawmaker arrested, allegedly embezzled from campaign fund
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — State police say a former Rhode Island lawmaker has been arrested for allegedly embezzling money from his campaign finance fund.
Former state Rep. Peter Palumbo was arrested Thursday and later released on $5,000 personal recognizance following his arraignment.
The 54-year-old Cranston Democrat is accused of embezzlement and filing a false document with a public official.
State Police say the investigation began after a Board of Elections audit revealed Palumbo wasn't accounting for about $59,000 in cash withdrawals from campaign funds.
Investigators say he also withdrew about $16,000 from ATMs at seven different casinos over five years.
Palumbo's attorney, Peter Patrarca, told WPRI-TV after his client's arraignment that he couldn't say much because he had yet to see the documents.
Palumbo lost his seat in 2014 after questions about contract bids at state beaches.
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