Superior Court rules for E.P. City Councillor Joseph Larisa, overturning Ethics Commission

Superior Court Associate Justice Susan McGuirl has issued a decision, reversing the Ethics Commission's finding against former East Providence City Councillor Joseph Larisa. The Commission had found a violation of the Ethics Code because Larisa, while still serving on the City Council, had appeared on behalf of a client before the East Providence Probate Court. Larisa filed an administrative appeal to the Superior Court. Judge McGuirl reviewed the convoluted set of regulations upon which the Commission relied and concluded that there was no knowing and willful violation. It should be noted that Larisa appeared in the Probate Court pro bono. Judge McGuirl's decision was released on September 4, and the Ethics Commission has the right to seek review SCORI by way of a petition for certiorari.