Former Cranston councilor who resigned after drug arrest now faces child sex abuse charges

CRANSTON, R.I. (WLNE) — Embattled former Cranston Councilman Matthew Reilly is facing new charges relating to an inappropriate relationship with a minor.

Reilly was charged and arraigned Thursday with first degree child molestation sexual assault, second degree child molestation sexual assault, and enticement of a person under 16.

According to Cranston police, the legal guardian of a 12-year-old girl, who is unrelated to Reilly, filed a complaint against him.

The former councilman was held without bail pending a competency hearing.

Reilly resigned from the Cranston City Council last month after he was charged with drug possession on May 15.

Cranston police release body camera footage of Councilman Matt Reilly’s arrest. (FILE)

During that arrest, Reilly was seen on police body cam passed out in his car with a crack pipe in his hand.

Officers later discovered what appeared to be crack cocaine in his car.

Reilly, who is also an attorney, had his law license suspended after the drug arrest.

His next court appearance is scheduled for June 15.