NEW: RI State Police Arrest Former State Rep-Elect for Embezzling Over $16K

NEW: RI State Police Arrest Former State Rep-Elect for Embezzling Over $16K

A former Rhode Island State Representative-Elect was arrested by the Rhode Island State Police on Thursday for embezzling over $16,000. 

Laufton Ascencao, also known as Laufton Longo, was arrested on an affidavit/ arrest warrant for embezzlement following an investigation by detectives from the Rhode Island State Police Financial Crimes Unit.

He was processed and arraigned in Sixth Division District Court, before being released on $10,000 personal recognizance with a pre-arraignment conference set for December 6, 2019. 

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Ascencao defeated Libertarian Billy Hunt in last November’s election.

Shortly after, Ascencao said in a Facebook post that he did a "stupid and immature thing" by filing a mock invoice on his campaign finance report -- and telling people he sent a mailer when he didn't -- but that he doesn't believe the action was illegal, as GoLocalProv reported. 

As GoLocalProv reported, Ascencao stepped down before taking office. 

"I apologize to the voters who gave me their support. I let you down and I will continue to try to make amends even though I am not assuming the position. I hope to live up to the faith you placed in me by continuing to try to make a difference. My mistakes were my own and does not reflect the passion and commitment of the community members, activists, and leaders I have been proud to work alongside for years. I have complete faith in the future of our state because I know they are involved," Ascencao said in a statement at the time. 

The Arrest

According to Rhode Island State Police, in December of 2018, Richard Thornton, from the Board of Elections and in his capacity as the Director of Campaign Finance, referred an investigation into the campaign finance activity of Ascencao to the State Police Financial Crimes Unit. 

The ensuing investigation revealed that Ascencao, while serving as the treasurer for the Rhode Island Chapter of the Sierra Club, allegedly diverted funds from the Sierra Club to pay for his personal campaign expenses without their knowledge or permission. 

According to State Police, Ascencao wrote a total of 15 checks from the Sierra Club checking account to fund his political campaign for Rhode Island House of Representative District 68. 

These fifteen checks totaled $16,379.70.