Former Councilman Embezzles Youth Track Team, Could Get 10 Years

PROVIDENCE, RI — Former Democratic City Councilman Kevin Jackson on Friday pleaded no contest to charges he embezzled $127,000 from the Providence Cobras, a youth track and field team he helped create in 1978. Jackson, 60 also pleaded no contest to campaign finance violations.

According to the state attorney general's office, Jackson faces a potential 10-year prison sentence with the possibility of probation after three years. His sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 12.

Prior to December's sentencing, a pre-sentencing hearing report will be completed by the Probation Division of the Department of Corrections on Dec. 5.

The state police investigation stemmed from Jackson's failure to file campaign finance reports with the state Board of Elections.

Prosecutors said Jackson used $12,074.06 of campaign contributions for personal expenses, like clothes, health care expenses, and cash withdrawals and stole $127,153 from the Providence Cobras for personal expenses and cash withdrawals.

Maj. Joseph Philbin, a state police detective, told Turn to 10 News after Jackson was arrested in 2016 that Jackson was the only one with a debt card for the Providence Cobras.