Will Gallison face embezzlement charge in Massachusetts?

House Speaker Mattiello says yes, before spokesperson rescinds statement

Posted 10/4/16

State House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello told reporters Tuesday that former state Rep. Ray Gallison will be charged with embezzlement in Massachusetts, a claim his spokesperson later rescinded, …

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Will Gallison face embezzlement charge in Massachusetts?

House Speaker Mattiello says yes, before spokesperson rescinds statement

Posted

State House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello told reporters Tuesday that former state Rep. Ray Gallison will be charged with embezzlement in Massachusetts, a claim his spokesperson later rescinded, turnto10.com reports.

At a news conference outside the State House Tuesday, Rep. Mattiello said Mr. Gallison, the former House Finance Committee chairman, would be charged with embezzlement over his handling of an estate in that state.

"I think the charge is ultimately going to be embezzlement from an estate in Massachusetts," Rep. Mattiello said.

His campaign spokesperson, Patty Doyle, later said Rep. Mattiello didn't mean what he said. He misspoke in relating the embezzlement charge, which he actually knows nothing about, she reportedly said. Rather, the speaker meant to say only that Mr. Gallison was a Massahcusetts attorney. He is reportedly elligible to practice law in Massachusetts, but not in Rhode Island, where he is facing a state and federal investigation over his handling of another estate.

The FBI in May seized about $1 million controlled by Gallison and announced the investigation, prompting Mr. gallison's resignation from the General Assembly. Part of the money was from the estate of Barrington man, Ray Medley, a former freelance photographer for East Bay Newspapers who died in 2012. Mr. Gallison was working on Mr. Medley’s estate until the Barrington Probate Court removed the former House Finance Committee chairman for failing to adequately represent the estate’s interests, according to Warren attorney Tucker Wright who now represents the estate.

About $200,000 of the seized funds was slated to be disbursed among non-profits including Warren United Methodist Church, Massasoit Historical Society and area Masonic lodges. Mr. Gallison reportedly never followed through on Mr. Medley's wishes, which were detailed in the Barrington man's will. Warren attorney Tucker Wright took over Mr. Medley's estate after Mr. Gallison was removed. In additon to the $200,000 held in investments, Mr. Gallison had possession of a a valuable stamp and coin collection, and the keys to a storage unit containing many of Mr. Medley's possessions. Part of the seized money has been released to be distributed among the non-profits.

There were initial reports that the investigation centered around an alleged prostitution ring, but there has been no word yet on potential charges against Mr. Gallison, who continues to be investigated. 

Ray Gallison, Rhode Island General Assembly

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