Bribery alleged at Portsmouth transfer station

Two workers arrested after accepting money to allow illegal dumping, police say

Posted 1/19/25

PORTSMOUTH — Two workers at the Portsmouth Transfer Station have been charged with accepting a bribe to allow a non-residents to dump trash at the Hedly Street compactor.

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Bribery alleged at Portsmouth transfer station

Two workers arrested after accepting money to allow illegal dumping, police say

Posted

PORTSMOUTH — Two workers at the Portsmouth Transfer Station have been charged with accepting a bribe to allow a non-resident to dump trash at the Hedly Street compactor.

On Saturday, Portsmouth Police arrested Paul Lapierre, 46, of 60 Bergen St., Providence, and Ricardo Torres Alcantar, 45, of 18 Angell Ave., Providence, following an investigation into bribery at the transfer station.

Lapierre and Alcantar are both contract workers with Waste Connections, employed at the transfer station.

The investigation by the Portsmouth Police Detective Division began earlier this month after a non-resident was observed entering the transfer station without a valid pass, according to Detective Lt. Lee Trott.

Lapierre spoke with the individual, who disclosed that they did not have the required permit, Trott said. Lapierre allegedly allowed the individual to dispose of their trash in exchange for $50 in cash. 

Lapierre and Alcantar then assisted with the disposal, after which Lapierre shared half of the funds with Alcantar, according to police.

Lapierre and Alcantar have been charged with the following offenses:

• solicitation/acceptance of a bribe by an agent, employee, or public official

• conspiracy

Both men were arraigned by a justice of the peace and released on $2,000 personal recognizance bonds. They are scheduled to appear in Newport County District Court on Thursday, Jan. 23. 

Additionally, both have been issued no-trespass orders which bar them from the transfer station.

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