NEW: JCLS Staffer at RI General Assembly Charged with Dealing Heroin
Thursday, April 30, 2020
A legislative aide hired by the embattled Joint Committee on Legislative Services (JCLS) at the Rhode Island General Assembly was arrested for the possession of heroin with intent to deliver — and was terminated this week.
Frank Franco was charged with four felonies, including intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, including heroin.
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“Frank Franco was hired on January 10, 2005 (under a different Speaker) and was terminated this past Tuesday, April 28, 2020. His title was legislative aide and he was assigned to the House operations staff. His role was general maintenance,” said Mattiello spokesperson Larry Berman.
“His salary at the time of termination was $49,270.20,” he added.
According to state campaign finance records, Franco donated to Mattiello — a $200 contribution in 2014 and a $200 contribution in 2016.
JCLS Controversy
In January, House Republican Leader Blake Filippi filed a lawsuit in Rhode Island Superior Court that called Mattiello’s call for an audit of the Rhode Island Convention Center illegal.
As GoLocal reported:
The audit was ordered by the Joint Committee on Legislative Services (JCLS) — a committee controlled by Mattiello and has not met in years.
The audit was ordered by Mattiello’s office after the Convention Center placed its head of security James Demers on administrative leave. Demers is close personal friends with Mattiello. Demers’ co-worker is alleging that he harassed and stalked her.
