By Sam Wroblewski 630wpro.com
Rhode Island State Police announced they have charged a North Smithfield attorney for fraudulently obtaining over $40,000 in unemployment tuition benefits.
State Police say Keith Heroux, owner and operator of BenMar Realty, received $42,458 from the Department of Labor and Training in tuition benefits between 2011 and 2014 to help pay for his son’s and daughter’s college education at the University of Rhode Island.
An investigation into Heroux’s case revealed he had signed multiple affidavits swearing he was unemployed in order to qualify for the tuition assistance; however he was a practicing attorney at the time.
Heroux was charged with obtaining over $1,500 under false pretenses and was released on $25,000 personal recognizance.
He is facing up to 10 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
