An advisor to Rhode Island Gov. Daniel McKee was arrested in Vermont over the weekend.
Christopher Farrell, 38, was arrested Saturday afternoon and charged with unlawful trespass and unlawful mischief, according to an incident report released by the Vermont State Police.
Police received a call about a suspected burglary in the town of Waterbury, Vermont. While responding, police received a call from across the street alleging a man was attempting to steal a vehicle, according to the incident report by Trooper John Gildea. Police ultimately arrested Farrell. Farrell was issued a criminal citation and then transported to Central Vermont Medical Center to speak with a screener from Washington County Mental Health, police said.
The incident report identifies 28-year-old Tyler Hoar, of Waterbury, as the alleged victim. It is not clear if Farrell and Hoar are connected. Farrell declined to comment.
The Washington County State’s Attorney will determine whether Farrell is charged with a felony or a misdemeanor. He is due in a Vermont court on August 25. The Rutland (Vt.) Herald previously reported the arrest.
Farrell is a senior advisor to McKee. He is listed in state files as employed in the Governor’s Office, earning a salary of $135,554.90.
“While we will not be commenting further on this ongoing issue, Mr. Farrell has been put on administrative leave pending the outcome of this personnel and health matter,” said Laura Hart, a spokesperson for the state Department of Administration.
A native of Cumberland, Farrell has in the past described McKee — a former mayor of Cumberland — as a mentor. In 2010, Farrell helped manage the winning campaign of former state Attorney General Peter Kilmartin. He attended Quinnipiac Law School, but returned to Rhode Island when McKee tapped him to help guide his transition to the governor’s office.
The Public’s Radio’s Ian Donnis contributed to this story.
