NEW: "Britt Used by Mattiello Campaign as Fall Guy," Claims Attorney Following Indictment

NEW: "Britt Used by Mattiello Campaign as Fall Guy," Claims Attorney Following Indictment

Jeff Britt, a top campaign aide to Speaker of the House Nicholas Mattiello who was indicted by a statewide jury on two counts on Friday, has had a response issued from his attorney -- pledging that he plans to "clear his name."

STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF BRITT

The following statement was released by Britt's attorney -- and former U.S. Attorney - Bob Corrente on Friday afternoon. 

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Mr. Britt is disappointed in today's indictment, but, at the same time, he is anxious to clear his name at public trial. 

We think it will become apparent that these charges should not have been brought -- and certainly not against Mr. Britt. Obviously, in the sometimes sordid history of Rhode Island politics, participating with others in raising $2100 for a campaign mailer, three years ago, is a pretty underwhelming offense. That's probably why the Board of Elections closed its investigation into the matter in April 2018, with just a warning to the Mattiello campaign. It certainly does not justify the State's overcharging this petty episode as money laundering when -- at most -- it might be a misdemeanor under Rhode Island law.

Worse, today's indictment unfairly singles out Mr. Britt, a contractor to the Mattiello campaign. We believe that the evidence at trial will leave Rhode Islanders scratching their heads about who did and who did not get charged, and will show that Mr. Britt was used by the Mattiello campaign as a fall guy. We are confident that the jury will see the set-up for what it is, once they hear the testimony from everyone involved. 

This story was first published 10/18/19 5:37 PM