New Charges Against Former North Providence Town Councilmen
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Three North Providence town councilmen who have already been accused of taking a bribe have been indicted on additional charges of conspiracy, extortion, and bribery today, according to the U.S. Attorney.
Joseph S. Burchfield, Raymond L. Douglas III and John A. Zambarano have already been charged with taking a $25,000 in exchange for voting in favor of a zoning change for a supermarket development. U.S. Attorney Peter F. Neronha said an ongoing investigation had uncovered four alleged extortion and bribery schemes, and demands for more than $100,000 in bribes.
That includes a $75,000 bribe attempt for a zoning change for a residential development at an old mill in the Lymansville section of North Providence, the attempted extortion of $3,000 from a bar owner in return for a liquor license, and the attempted extortion of $5,000 from a restaurant owner seeking a permit for extended hours.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTAlso named in the indictment are: Attorney Robert S. Ciresi, 77, of Hope, R.I., and Edward Imondi, 73, of North Providence, R.I. Both men are accused of acting as middlemen and taking a portion of the respective bribes they delivered.
