NBC 10 I-Team: 2 North Providence police officers accused of stealing from union

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — One North Providence police officer has just retired and another was on paid leave Tuesday, as both are under indictment on embezzlement and other charges.

They are accused of stealing from the police union.

Detective Christopher Petteruti is the union treasurer. Former Lt. Dennis Stone is a past president of the union.

Petteruti is facing two counts of embezzlement for allegedly using union money for cash withdrawals and to pay admission fees to poker tournaments.

Stone is charged with three counts of embezzlement for allegedly spending union money at Twin Oaks restaurant and at retail stores.

Stone is also accused of failing to report income earned at a second job as a waiter at Twin Oaks on his taxes for six years.

The alleged embezzlement was from the years 2014 to 2018.

Authorities have not said how much union money was allegedly misused.

North Providence Police Chief Alfredo Ruggiero Jr. told the NBC 10 I-Team that Stone retired from the department a week ago.

Petteruti was suspended without pay.

“It’s very disappointing and disturbing if the allegations are found to be true. The victims in all of this are the 64 men and women of the agency who put in to the dues twice a month,” Ruggiero said.

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“It’s troubling. It’s upsetting. It’s sad,” current North Providence police union president Lt. Thomas Jones told NBC 10 News.

“We were made aware that there was an investigation. We cooperated with authorities,” Jones said. “Right now it’s somber, I would say. Everybody is in shock. Nobody likes this.”

Both men pleaded not guilty at their arraignments in Providence Superior Court. Each was released on $10,000 personal recognizance. They are due back in court in April.