UPDATE: SK Councilor Wegimont Charged with Simple Assault, Placed on Leave by PPSD

UPDATE: SK Councilor Wegimont Charged with Simple Assault, Placed on Leave by PPSD

On Saturday, GoLocal reported that Narragansett Republican Party Chairman Anthony D’Ellena filed a complaint alleging that South Kingstown Town Councilor Jay Wegimont threatened him and assaulted him.

Wegimont is a Democrat on the council and is also a senior official for the Providence Public Schools Department. He serves as PPSD’s Public Information Officer.

On Tuesday night, PPSD announced it had taken action.

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

"The District is aware of the simple assault charges. Jay Wegimont has been placed on administrative leave. Since this is a personnel matter, we will not be providing further comment at this time," said Suzanne Ouellette, Chief of Communications for PPSD.

The alleged incident took place on June 9, following the South Kingstown Town Council meeting.

On Tuesday, South Kingstown Chief of Police Matthew C. Moynihan announced that Wegimont is being charged with simple assault.

“Following an initial investigation into an incident that took place on Monday, June 9, 2025, at South Kingstown Town Hall, Jay Wegimont, of 48 Shadow Farm Way, South Kingstown, has been charged with simple assault. He was arraigned at the South Kingstown Police Department this afternoon and will appear in Washington County District Court on Thursday, July 3, 2025,” said Moynihan.

“This is an ongoing investigation, and we will provide updates as warranted,” Moynihan added.

 

D’Ellena Responds to the News

D'Ellena said in an email to GoLocal, "Councilman Wegimont has finally been charged because the facts are undeniable. He didn’t just lose his temper. He used his position to physically attack someone who told the truth about his criminal record. That’s not just disgraceful—it’s dangerous."

"No one is above the law. Not in Washington, not in Rhode Island, and certainly not in South Kingstown. Wegimont doesn’t get a free pass because he sits on the council. This isn’t a one-time lapse in judgment. It’s part of a clear pattern of unhinged behavior from a man who has no business holding public office. When someone skips a vote to body-slam another elected official in Town Hall, they’re not fit to lead. They’re a liability," D'Ellena added.

"I’m grateful to the South Kingstown Police for acting quickly and professionally. They sent the right message: violence in politics will not be tolerated no matter who you are. Wegimont needs to resign immediately," he concluded.

 

READ GOLOCAL’S INITIAL REPORT HERE

 

 

The story was first published 6/17/25 5:22 PM  This story was updated at 7:05 PM