As reported by W. Zachary Malinowski in the July 3, 2012 edition of the Providence Journal, Superior Court Judge Procaccini has found Chief Whiting guilty of two (2) felony charges. The verdict was announced one (1) week after the trial concluded. The North Providence Police Chief has been found guilty of felony larceny and solicitation to receive stolen goods. He is scheduled to be sentenced in early September.
Pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws 11-41-1, felony larceny, theft of property valued over $500.00, is punishable by imprisonment for not more than ten (10) years or by a fine of not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000), or both. Whiting was found guilty of taking $714.00 in cash.
Pursuant to R.I.G.L. 11-42-1, receiving stolen goods is defined as every person who shall fraudulently receive any stolen money, goods, securities, chattels, or other property, knowing it to be stolen, shall be deemed guilty of larceny, although the person who stole the property may not have been prosecuted or convicted for it. The possession of any stolen property shall be evidence of guilty knowledge by the person having possession that the property was stolen, unless the person shows that it was acquired in the due course of trade and for adequate consideration. The penalties for receiving stolen goods are the same as larceny.
Whiting has been charged with solicitation to receive stolen goods. Pursuant to R.I.G.L. 11-1-9 soliciting another to commit a crime. – every person who solicits another to commit or join in the commission of a felony under the laws of this state shall be guilty of a felony and upon conviction shall be subject to the same fine and imprisonment as pertain to the offense which the person did solicit another to commit, provided that imprisonment for the solicitation shall not exceed ten (10) years. Therefore Whiting is facing up to ten (10) years imprisonment for each charge and a $5,000.00 fine.
If you or a family member has been charged with felony larceny, receiving stolen goods or robbery, please allow Attorney Robert H. Humphrey's reputation, experience and skill to successfully guide you through the legal process. Please contact Attorney Robert H. Humphrey, Esq., at 401-816-5862 or e-mail him at rhh@rhumphreylaw.com.