Providence woman sentenced for knowingly submitting false nomination papers

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A Providence woman has been sentenced in Providence Superior Court with knowingly falsifying and submitting nomination papers during the 2023 First Congressional District Special Election.

According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office, Holly McClaren was given a three years suspended sentence and three years probation.

In 2023, McClaren submitted falsified nomination papers to the Jamestown and Newport Boards of Canvassers on behalf of candidate Sabina Matos.

McLaren was charged on May 29, 2024 with two counts of falsely certifying nomination papers and two counts of filing false documents with a public official.

Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos released the following statement:

“I feel pleased to have my name cleared by today’s conviction. I have supported this investigation at every step in the hopes that the truth would come to light. With this case settled, the facts are clear: Holly McClaren committed a serious crime that undermined the sanctity of our state’s free and fair elections. I’m grateful to the law enforcement officers who handled this investigation thoroughly and professionally and whose work ultimately led to today’s results.”