Providence Councilor Charged with Embezzlement: AG

PROVIDENCE, RI — The president of the Providence City Council on Wednesday pleaded Not Guilty to four charges alleging he misused campaign funds. Luis Aponte, 53, of Providence, was charged with one count of unlawful appropriation, one count of embezzlement, and two counts of personal use of campaign funds, the state Attorney General's Office said. The Statewide Grand Jury's secret indictment was unsealed this afternoon in Providence County Superior Court when Aponte was arraigned.

According to court records, sometime between May 10, 2014 and December 28, 2015, Aponte took more than $1,000 from the Friends of Luis Aponte Campaign Finance Account for his own use. He's also accused of embezzling more than $1,000 from the same campaign account between December 18, 2013 and December 28, 2015.

"The State also alleges that on or about dates May 10, 2014 and December 31, 2014 and again on dates between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2015, Aponte unlawfully used campaign funds for personal use," the Attorney General's office said.

Aponte was released on $1,000 personal recognizance. His next court date is June 19.

Photo Credit: Sandor Bodo/The Providence Journal via AP, Pool