crime

New RI Courts Social Media Policy Still in the Works

Ian Donnis — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 17:54:47 +0000

The long-sought trial of James "Whitey" Bulger in US District Court in Boston offers a great example of how Twitter can carry the drama of legal action to a far bigger audience. Tweets from a bevy of top crime reporters, including WPRI-TV's Tim White, have offered a minute-by-minute account of the scene as the former fugitive mobster faces justice.

Institute of International Sport head Doyle faces 18-count Indictment

Ian Donnis — Fri, 03 May 2013 16:46:04 +0000

The head of the troubled Institute for International Sport was arraigned on 18 counts in Superior Court Friday.

Dan Doyle, of Connecticut, was charged after an investigation that began in February 2012. The probe followed media reports that the Institute for International Sport housed at URI was unable to fully account for state funding it had received.

Doyle faces seven counts of embezzlement, five counts each of forgery and filing a false document, and one count of obtaining money under false pretenses.

Neronha calls Moreau a reminder of warped political ethics in Rhode Island

Ian Donnis — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 18:36:48 +0000

US Attorney Peter Neronha says the sentencing this week of former Central Falls mayor Charles Moreau is a stark reminder of a blinkered view of public service held by a string of corrupt Rhode Island politicians.

Will this be the year when the General Assembly strengthens RI's gun laws?

Ian Donnis — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 09:00:00 +0000

Law enforcement officials have tried without success for years to make Rhode Island’s gun laws more stringent. They say tougher laws would help to deter gun-related violence. Now, in the aftermath of the massacre in Newtown, Connecticut, the question remains whether Rhode Island will beef up its gun laws. For starters, gun control supporters will have to overcome powerful opposition from the National Rifle Association.

Bonus Q+A: Metts recalls being racially profiled

Ian Donnis — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 09:00:00 +0000

State Senator Harold Metts joins us for our Bonus Q+A segment to talk about education policy, disproportionately high unemployment for minorities, and what it's like to be racially profiled while serving in the General Assembly.

Metts calls the stigma of prison "a life sentence" for former offenders seeking jobs

Ian Donnis — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 21:19:13 +0000

State Senator Harold Metts (D-Providence) says the stigma of prison is so severe for former inmates that it's virtually impossible for them to find work after serving their time. He calls that a contributor to the disproportionately high rate of unemployment for minorities in poor parts of the capital city.

“The rate of incarceration is a big factor in the unemployment in certain parts of my district, because once you get that jail record, it ends up being a lifetime sentence, because you can’t get a job.”