Cranston City Councilor Resigns After Drug Arrest

CRANSTON, RI — Ward 6 Cranston City Councilman Matthew Reilly resigned after being arrested Monday on drug charges, Mayor Ken Hopkins said Thursday.

Police said they arrested Reilly, 41, after finding him unconscious in his car after he smoked crack cocaine, WPRI 12 reported.

"Matt made the right decision to step down so that he can focus his full attention on his well-being and young family," Hopkins said in a statement. "Matt Reilly chose to put the interests of his constituents above his political interests."

Cranston police released body camera footage to ABC 6 leading up to Reilly's arrest. The video shows Reilly fully cooperating with police and telling officers about his drug history.

"It was a relapse," Reilly told Cranston police. "I've been clean for 13 years."

With Reilly's former seat vacant, a special election will take place later this year to replace him. The Cranston Board of Canvassers will start the election planning process in the coming weeks.

Reilly also resigned Tuesday as chairman of the Cranston Republican Party.