State Police Drop Investigation Into Ward 10 Council Candidate’s Alleged Bad Check

State Police Drop Investigation Into Ward 10 Council Candidate’s Alleged Bad Check

As GoLocal first reported on September 23, Attorney Carol Ricker sent a letter asking the Rhode Island State to investigate Ward 10 candidate Pedro Espinal for the non-payment of $85,000.

Ricker claimed that Espinal knowingly issued a fraudulent check to her client — Fernando Tavares.

But now, the investigation is being halted by Ricker.

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According to Ricker, “Because my client will not be issuing a demand for payment to Mr. Espinal at this time, the state police are suspending the investigation. In the interim, my client will be focusing his efforts regarding this matter elsewhere.”

“Please note that this office will not be providing any further comments concerning this matter moving forward,” Ricker added.

At the time of the first article, Espinal, reached by phone told GoLocal, "I have no problem speaking with you about this, but it's pending litigation, so as such you'll have to contact my attorney, John Harwood."

Harwood did not return to a request for comment at the time of publication.

The alleged check from Espinal to Tavares was related to "1007 Investments, LLC." That company was established by Espinal this summer, according to the records of the RI.

Captain John Alfred of the Rhode Island State Police confirmed that the agency's investigation has been suspended.