As reported in the June 26, 2012 edition of channel 10 News, the Superior Court trial involving North Providence Police Chief Whiting has ended. The Judge announced that closing arguments would be heard next Tuesday. At the close of the Prosecutor's case, one of the three (3) charges was dismissed. Whiting was originally charged with felony larceny, soliciting a police officer to receive stolen goods and soliciting another police officer to obstruct justice. The charge of solicitation to obstruct justice was dismissed. The Judge will issue a verdict on the remaining two (2) charges next Tuesday.
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.
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 soliciting another person 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.
If you or a family member has been charged with larceny, receiving stolen goods or other theft crimes, 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.