NEW: Former Providence Water Employee Charged With Fraud - 4 Counts in Total
Friday, May 31, 2019
A former employee at Providence Water — who resigned in August 2018 after suspicious credit card activity was found on the agency credit card and a police probe was launched in September — turned herself into authorities on Thursday.
Rebecca Laurenco, who had been a purchasing supervisor with Prov Water since 1997, was arraigned and charged on four counts including:
* One count wrongful conversion by officer - state, municipal employee
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* One count of access to computer for fraudulent purposes
* One count of giving false documents to agent, employee or public official
According to sources, the investigation is ongoing.
About Prov Water
According to Prov Water's website:
"Providence Water, although a department of the City of Providence, is regulated by state and federal agencies in addition to city policies and procedures. The quality of our treated drinking water is regulated by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Rhode Island Department of Health. Our revenue and rate structure is regulated by the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission.
A seven member Providence Water Supply Board of Directors determines corporate policy. It is the mission of this Board to ensure that water customers receive a safe and reliable water supply for drinking and fire protection. This group is comprised of dedicated private citizens and public officials and is committed to fair and equitable service to all customers and property owners in our service area. Four board members are appointed by the mayor, two are appointed by the city council president and one (ex-officio) is the City's Finance Director."
