Shekarchi Goes to Court to Try and Block RI Ethics Commission’s Investigation

Shekarchi Goes to Court to Try and Block RI Ethics Commission’s Investigation

Former Speaker of the House and candidate for the Rhode Island Supreme Court, Joseph Shekarchi, filed multiple actions in Providence Superior Court to try to block the Rhode Island Ethics Commission from conducting an investigation into a complaint that asserts a violation of the revolving door restriction.

 

On Tuesday, the Ethics Commission rejected Shekarchi’s motion to dismiss the complaint and voted to continue the investigation. READ HERE

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In a filing on Thursday by Shekarchi’s attorney, Tom Dickinson, he asserts:

 

Plaintiff Shekarchi on May 28, 2026, filed a motion to dismiss the complaint because, under the Rhode Island Constitution and laws, as interpreted by the Supreme and Superior Courts, the complaint did not allege facts that constitute a violation of the Rhode Island Code of Ethics.

 

On June 2, 2026, the RIEC, in a closed session, made an “initial determination” that the complaint alleged that Plaintiff Shekarchi had violated the Rhode Island Code of Ethics.

 

Because the June 2, 2026, RIEC discussion of the complaint against Plaintiff Shekarchi was conducted in closed session, it is unknown whether the members of RIEC addressed, or were even aware, of the motion to dismiss.

 

In the filing, Shekarchi is asking the court to, among other things:

 

For a stay of all investigations and proceedings on the complaint against him before RIEC,

For reversal of the denial of his motion to dismiss, and

For entry of judgment directing the RIEC to dismiss the complaint.

 

Shekarchi is also seeking lawyers' fees from the court.

 

This story is developing.