By Steve Klamkin WPRO News
A suspended Providence police officer appeared Friday in district court, where not guilty pleas were entered to misdemeanor assault and disorderly conduct charges stemming from a State House confrontation with a political rival during an abortion rights rally last month.
Officer Jeann Lugo was ordered to have no contact with Jennifer Rourke, described by the court as the “complaining witness”, who told police that Lugo “struck her in the left side of her face using his right hand”, then “struck her a second time in the area of her face using his left hand,” according to a police affidavit.
Rourke is a candidate for State Senate, as was Lugo, before he dropped out of the race soon after the incident. He was later suspended with pay by Providence Police. Chief Hugh Clements said in a statement he intends to fire Lugo, who’s attorney vowed to contest the disciplinary actions, citing the Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights.
Neither Lugo nor his lawyer, Daniel Griffin spoke with reporters after the brief court session. Lugo was released on $2,000 personal recognizance bail for a pre-trial conference July 18.
Rhode Island State Police Friday issued a series of photographs of a “person of interest” from the June 24 confrontation.
“Our investigation into the incident at the State House is ongoing and we’re asking members of the public to look at these pictures and see if the individual looks familiar,” said Colonel Darnell S. Weaver, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police in a statement. “If you have any information, please call our Lincoln Barracks at (401) 444-1000. Tips are received anonymously.”
