North Providence Acting Police Chief suspended

By: News Staff

Email: news@abc6.com

Twitter: @ABC6

NORTH PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The North Providence Town Council is expected to discuss the fate of the town’s Acting Police Chief who was suspended with pay over the weekend.

Officials have not yet said what led to the suspension, but the chief is certainly no stranger to controversy.

Mayor Charles Lombardi wanted to make it very clear that there is no criminal investigation underway into the Acting Chief Christopher Pelagio.

However, Lombardi offered no reason for the suspension or any indication if Palgio will be terminated.

Pelagio was suspended on Friday after more than two and a half years in the role of Acting Police Chief.

Controversy is nothing new for Pelagio. In fact, he was named in a lawsuit by the department’s highest ranking female officer, Diana Perez.

Perez alleged sexual harassment and the department created a hostile work environment.

Last year, the town’s police union voted no confidence in his leadership.

Mayor Lombardi has not commented further on the exact cause of his suspension citing the Law Enforcement Officer’s Bill of Rights.

Acting Deputy Chief Charles Davey will fill Pelagio’s role until further notice.

The town will hold a special private meeting Monday tonight to discuss the issue.

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