Former state rep Brian Coogan blames city manager for his charges

By Bianca Buono

bbuono@abc6.com

@BBuonoABC6

One day after he was charged with three crimes involving stealing campaign signs, former state representative Brian Coogan is blaming the acting city manager of East Providence for everything.

Coogan was charged for allegedly trying to steal a Bruce Rogers campaign sign on Summit Street in East Providence. His charges include attempted larceny, receiving stolen goods, and conspiracy. In a news conference on Wednesday, Coogan called the whole situation a “witch hunt” and maintained his innocence.

"I did not try or attempt to try to pull any political signs that’s what I’m telling you today,” he said.

Coogan says East Providence’s acting city manager Tim Chapman is to blame and that he ordered police to charge him because Coogan fired him years ago.

"I handed him a beer box and I told him his services were no longer needed,” Coogan said.

ABC6 spoke with East Providence police and they said the victim is the only person who can press charges. In this case, the victim is the owner of the sign, Bruce Rogers. He’s running against Anna Sousa for a seat on the city council. She just so happens to live with Coogan.

"I’m just going to say it’s more on the private side. It’s private, that’s private,” said Coogan when asked about his relationship with Sousa.

Coogan lost in the September primary. He’s now launching a write-in campaign for November to try to win the District 64 seat.

© WLNE-TV 2016