As reported by Katie Mulvaney in the September 4, 2014 edition of the Providence Journal, a former state representative has been sentenced. He was previously found guilty by a jury of unlawful appropriation of funds. He was found not guilty of embezzlement and obtaining money under false pretenses. He stole approximately $28,000.00 from a client. The Judge sentenced him to twenty (20) years at the ACI, three (3) years to serve, with the remaining seventeen (17) years suspended with probation. He was also ordered to make restitution.
Pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws 11-41-11.1, unlawful appropriation is defined as any person to whom any money or other property of another shall be entrusted or delivered for a particular purpose, who shall intentionally appropriate to his or her own use that money or property, shall be deemed guilty of unlawful appropriation.
The penalties are based on the value of the money or property involved. If the sum or value of the property so appropriated is less than one thousand dollars ($1,000), the penalties include a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) or imprisonment for not more than one year, or both. If the sum or value of the property is more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) the penalties include a fine of not more than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) or three (3) times the value of the money or property thus appropriated, whichever is greater, or imprisonment not more than twenty (20) years, or both.
If you or a family member has been charged with unlawful appropriation, embezzlement or other financial 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.