McKee Voices “Serious Concerns” About Sex Trafficking Tied to Property Owned by Top State Employees

McKee Voices “Serious Concerns” About Sex Trafficking Tied to Property Owned by Top State Employees

A Cranston Police raid this week has raised serious concerns about sex trafficking and the industry that allows it.

The owners of one of the properties that housed one of the alleged illegal massage parlors is a corporation owned by one of the state’s most influential couples —  Director of the Division of the Motor Vehicles Walter Craddock and House Policy Director Lynn Urbani Craddock — combined, the two earn more than $300,000 annually.

According to Cranston Police, "During their investigation, Detectives uncovered what they believe to be evidence of labor trafficking as well as prostitution. A substantial amount of United States currency was seized, and records and information will be utilized in an ongoing investigation of human trafficking. The US Department of Homeland Security Investigations continues to assist with the joint investigation.”

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

“The Governor has serious concerns about this situation and the allegations of human trafficking. Our Office is reaching out to law enforcement to get a full understanding of all of the facts related to this case which will inform next steps. The Governor will have additional comment after that time,” said McKee’s office in a statement to GoLocal on Saturday.

Speaker of the House Joseph Shekarchi said, “This is a private matter and is unrelated to the excellent work that Lynne Urbani performs as a dedicated public servant on behalf of the people of the state.”

Shekarchi did not respond to questions if Urbani Craddock should have known that the property was being used for illegal activities.  Cranston Police have confirmed that the property was raided previously for prostitution and operating an illegal massage parlor in 2017.

The company controlled by the couple purchased the property in 2016, according to Cranston tax records.

Urbani Craddock, a long-time top staffer to then-Speaker of the House Nick Mattiello and who has continued to work for the Rhode Island General Assembly, and her husband control the building located at 1732 Broad Street via a corporation LUC Realty Holdings (Urbani Craddock’s initials), according to Cranston tax records.

LUC Realty Holdings is managed by her husband Walter Craddock according to state business records filed with the RI Secretary of State’s office. Craddock also serves as the Administrator of the Division of Motor Vehicles. He earns $151,780.98 according to state data.

Urbani Craddock in her role as Director of House Policy earns $152,146.02.

The holding company owns a number of other properties in Cranston.