Luis Aponte, the former Providence City Council president and once a leading figure in the capital city’s Latino political hierarchy, has accepted a plea deal on an embezzlement charge that will require he resign from the council.
The 56-year old Democrat was also sentenced to a four and a half year suspended sentence and four and a half years of probation, said Rhode Island Atty. Gen Peter Nerohna. Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Lamphear handled the case.
“Today’s felony conviction of (Aponte) for stealing from his campaign funds once again underscores the importance of holding public officials accountable when they break the law and erode the public’s trust in government,” said Neronha. “Using one’s campaign fund to pay for personal expenses is form of public corruption because it may lead to improper influence over official acts, particularly by large-scale donors to whom the public official may feel particularly indebted.”
Aponte, who represents a Providence south side district anchored by the Washington Park neighborhood, was once seen as an up-and-coming member of the city’s blossoming Latino Democratic political faction. He was first elected in 1998 and is the longest-serving council member. A savvy City Hall insider, Aponte played a crucial role behind the scenes in council maneuvering against Democratic Mayor Jorge Elorza.
According to Nerohna, Aponte spent nearly $14,000 on personal expenses, including subscriptions to Nexflix and Xbox Live, iTunes, cable television bills and gasoline. He was indicted in May, 2017 by a Providence County Grand Jury.
“I have learned that Luis A. Aponte has entered into a plea agreement and will resign as a member of the Providence City Council, a post he held for more than two decades,” said Council President Sabina Matos, a Ward 15 Democrat.
“As public servants we are held to a higher standard and Councilman Aponte’s resignation is a necessary and important step as we continue to focus on creating greater opportunities and improving the quality of life for Providence’s residents and taxpayers.”
Aponte will be replaced in a special election that will be called by the council and must be approved by the state Board of Elections.
