North Providence Police Chief John Whiting allegedly stole $714 from a car in Pawtucket Sunday, Aug. 28, at the site of crash in an unmarked police car.
The police chief was arrested Thursday at the State Police Public Safety Complex. He faces charges of larceny and conspiracy after he tried to convince a Pawtucket police officer dispatched to the crash site to cover up the theft.
Justina Cardoso was leaving the Comfort Inn in Pawtucket early Sunday morning when she allegedly threw something at the police chief’s car. Whiting pursued her through Pawtucket until she crashed her car and fled the scene. Whiting then searched her car and stole the money from her purse.
Cardosa works as a stripper at The Satin Doll and was with a client at the hotel Saturday evening. According to the Providence Journal, Cardosa fled the scene of the crash because of outstanding warrants. Pawtucket police arrested her Monday and she awaits trial for charges of extortion, black mail and drug possession.
Police Chief Whiting will be arraigned in District Court Sept. 9. North Providence Mayor Charles Lombardi suspended Whiting without pay pending trial. Whiting was released from custody on $10,000 bail and personal recognizance, reported the Providence Journal.
