Wedding Officiant In Newport Accused of Stealing Guest's Purse

NEWPORT, RI — In a joint investigation between Portsmouth and Newport police, James Stern, 39 of Portsmouth was arrested and charged with stealing and using a woman's credit card.

The Portsmouth Press reported that Stern was the officiant for a wedding at a Newport Hotel. The victim was a 29-year-old woman from Lindenhurst, New York. She told police her purse was stolen from the bridal room while she was attending her friend's wedding.

On Monday, Newport police reached out Portsmouth police about the investigation into larceny and the fraudulent use of a credit card.

Newport Police's investigation was assisted by hotel security. According to police, surveillance video at a Portsmouth pharmacyNewport showed Stern buying a gift card.

Stern turned himself in at the Portsmouth Police Department. He was arraigned in Second District Court in Newport.

Photo used with permission from Newport Police Department