State Police Say Rhode Island College Theater Director Took $60,000

JOHNSTON, RI — State Police on Thursday arrested James L. Taylor, age 46, of Johnston, Rhode Island. He was charged with obtaining money under false pretenses, according to Lt. Col. Kevin M. Barry, acting superintendent.

Taylor is managing director of the Rhode Island College theater. Over a three-year span, according to State Police, Taylor requested multiple checks from the RIC accounting department to pay businesses on the theater's behalf. None of the checks was written out to him.

However, the State Police allege 38 checks were deposited into his personal bank account "and used for his own personal gain." The total came to $60,397,17.

Barry said the State Police Financial Crimes Unit investigated a complaint from the school, which claimed suspicious checks had been paid from its account.

Taylor was arraigned in Sixth District Court and released on $10,000 personal recognizance. He is on administrative leave from the school.