State Senator arrested for video voyeurism, extortion

By John Krinjak

Email: jkrinjak@abc6.com

Twitter: @johnkrinjakABC6

RICHMOND, R.I. (WLNE) — State Sen. Nicholas Kettle was arrested Friday for video voyeurism and extortion.

Republican  Sen. Nicholas Kettle, of Coventry, was arrested Richmond Friday afternoon, and charged with one count of video voyeurism, and two counts of extortion, after a month-long investigation.

Kettle was arraigned by a justice of the peace Friday night at State Police Headquarters in Scituate.

Kettle’s lawyer Paul DiMaio says police kept a close eye on him before arresting him at his workplace, which we’re told is an antique auto part maker.

"I don’t know why they saw fit in this case to follow him around over lunch time. Because he called me and said I’m getting a sandwich, and a state police detective is following me," said DiMaio.

Police confirm the voyeurism charge stems from a complaint by Kettle’s ex-girlfriend involving photographs taken by Kettle, and follows a search of Kettle and his home last month. 

"There’s two sides to this situation," said DiMaio. "It’s not voyeurism. I’ve already examined what we have, me and a couple investigators, and I talked to him. But I don’t know what the extortion is. I have no idea who the victim is or what."

Meanwhile, at the State House, leaders of both parties are calling on Sen. Kettle to step down. 

Senate Minority Leader Dennis Algiere said in a statement:

"Based on what I know right now, I believe Senator Kettle should resign immediately."

Senate President Dominick Ruggerio also issued a statement on Kettle’s arrest: 

“It is deeply troubling that a member of the Senate has been indicted on charges of video voyeurism and extortion. Based on what we know at this time, I believe that Mr. Kettle should resign immediately."

"I think it’s the right thing to do to walk away," said Kevin Olasanoye of the Rhode Island Democratic Party, adding that the allegations are very disturbing.

"This is not a partisan issue. It’s about right and wrong and it’s about not being a distraction from the serious issues that are going on in this building," said Olasanoye.

Even Kettle’s lawyer is echoing those calls. 

"I think it would probably be the right thing to do at this point in time because he can’t really function properly," said DiMaio.

Since the extortion charge came from a grand jury, Kettle will spend the weekend behind bars at the Adult Correctional Institute in Cranston, until he goes before a Superior Court judge on Monday. 

"He’s terrified. He’s about 5′ 3" and weighs about 125 pounds soaking wet. He’s a young 27-year-old. He’s never been arrested, never been in trouble," said DiMaio. "He’s scared. Scared about his future. If he’s a criminal it’s not apparent to me"

© WLNE-TV / ABC6 2018