Former Cranston Mayoral Candidate Sepe Charged With Assault — Victim Alleges Unwanted Sexual Contact

Former Cranston Mayoral Candidate Sepe Charged With Assault — Victim Alleges Unwanted Sexual Contact

Former Democratic Cranston mayoral candidate and CPA Michael Sepe has been arrested and charged with simple assault. 

According to the affidavit and arrest warrant filed this week, Sepe had met with the victim, a woman in her 20s, for a tax return consultation in March 2022. 

The victim told police that her parents had used Sepe's services before, and that when she met with Sepe, he closed his office door, and at the end of the consultation, forcefully grabbed and kissed her. 

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The police affidavit — in which both the victim and Sepe spoke with Cranston police — asserts the victim then received a text message in 2023 in which Sepe wrote, “Sorry about last year.”

At that time, she contacted Cranston police — and the case was turned over to the Special Victims Unit. 

 

Cranston Police SVU Investigation

The affidavit states that the victim reported the 2022 encounter as follows: 

["The victim] stated to Det. Lee that Michael got very close to her, his tongue exposed and kissed her while inserting his tongue into her mouth. Michael simultaneously used his hands to grab, rub, and touch her on her hips, back, and shoulders as he tried to 'make out' with her. [The victim] denied that Michael touched her buttocks, and was unsure if he touched her breasts or if he had an erection at the time."

The affidavit goes on to continue:

"Due to the fact that [the victim] never disclosed the incident to her parents, Michael was again hired by the family for his tax services. [The victim] did not meet with him in person, however on 3/20/23 she received a text from Michael stating, "Hi I know you don't want to talk to me but I apologize for last year what address do you want me to use on your return and watch what you are claiming for your with holding [sic]. I will have your return done and I can mail it you and you can sign and mail me back the signed take care and have a good night" [sic]. 

She provides Michael with the requested information, and on 3/28/23, she receives the envelope with the tax return Michael prepared. Contained in the [paperwork] was a handwritten note from Michael stating, "Hi [name redacted] Please sign where marked. If you are ever in the area maybe you can stop in or maybe we can have a drink some afternoon Text me if you have any questions" [sic].”

According to the affidavit, when Cranston Police interviewed Sepe, they “implored him to think carefully” about his response to the allegations — and what was later divulged as evidence. 

"Det. Lee questioned Michael about any communication he had with [the victim] after the 3/5/22 meeting. He stated that he texted her to sign her papers and mail them back, and denied any further communication other than asking why she had used a different envelope. He repeatedly denied writing [the victim] any notes, however after Det. Lee implored him to think carefully, he indicated that he "might have" wrote her a note in her tax return hoping to see her again and asking her for drinks."

Upon Det. Lee reading Michael the note he left her, Michael responded, "Maybe I went overboard."

Cranston Police say that Sepe then terminated the interview.

Sepe did not respond to multiple requests comment on Thursday night.