Former North Providence Councilman Indicted for Extortion

Former North Providence Councilman Indicted for Extortion

Former North Providence Councilman Raymond Douglas, III, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of extorting gambling debts. The indictment alleges that Douglas ran an illegal gambling business in North Providence and accepted illegal sports wagers for college and professional sports.

Douglas extended credit to a bettor who racked up about $6,000 to $8,000 in gambling debts between fall 2008 and spring 2009, according to the indictment.  Douglas is accused of attempting to collect the debt by repeatedly calling and text messaging the bettor and sent a person to his home to try to make a collection. Douglas also allegedly offered to damage the bettor's car and use the insurance money to cover the debt, according to the indictment.

Douglas is one of three former North Providence councilmen who have been charged with taking a bribe in return for a favorable vote on a supermarket development.

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