2 Newport Political Families Intertwined in Legal Battle - Charge of Embezzlement

2 Newport Political Families Intertwined in Legal Battle - Charge of Embezzlement

A legal battle involving two of Newport's best-known political families is emerging. 

On one side is the Cicilline family, and on the other is the Napolitano family— two political powers in the idyllic seaside "city."

At the center of the legal fight is an allegation of embezzlement.

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The parties are Paul Cicilline, who is accused of embezzlement.  He is the son of the former State Senator “Bud” Cicilline and cousin to former Congressman David Cicilline and attorney John Cicilline — who is defending Paul in this case.

To add to the lineage, David and John are the sons of Jack Cicilline, who often represented Raymond Patriarca, the New England crime family boss.

On the other side of the case is Sean Napolitano’s company, A1 Roofing and Construction, which has leveled the accusation that Paul Cicilline embezzled.

Sean is the son of sitting City Councilor and former Newport Mayor Jeanne-Marie Napolitano. She is not immune to controversy.  In 2024, she was caught at a Newport meeting on a hot mic telling State Senator Lou DiPalma that she was less than pleased with State Senator Dawn Euer, and Chair of Newport Democratic City Committee, Susan Taylor, and said that she was going to make their lives “miserable.” In 2025, former Mayor Napolitano was fined $1,000 by the state of Rhode Island for campaign finance violations.

Just to add a little more to the two families' connections and disconnections — Paul Cicilline’s brother was once married to Sean Napolitano’s sister.

 

 

Charge Levied

According to a court filing, Sean Napolitano’s company is accusing Paul Cicilline of “Embezzlement and Fraudulent Conversion”, which is a felony.

The charge was filed by Middletown Police on Friday in the Second District Court.

GoLocal reached out to Napolitano and Cicilline’s attorney for comment; they did not respond at the time of publication. 

This story was first published 2/7/26 9:59 AM.