by Lexi Kriss

Former Cranston Police Chief Marco Palombo was arrested on charges of domestic assault on the evening of Thursday, November 30th.

On Friday evening the Rhode Island Democratic Party released a statement from Executive Director Kevin Olasanoye. Mr. Olasanoye suggests that Mr. Palambo’s arrest is reflective of Mayor Allan Fung’s poor judgement, “The arrest on domestic assault charges of Mayor Allan Fung’s long-serving police chief highlights Mayor Fung’s persistent and troubling lack of judgment. Mr. Palombo’s tenure as Mayor Fung’s handpicked police chief ended in a scandal that raised concerns about the department’s culture of intimidation.”

Mr. Olasanoye went further to vilify Mayor Fung, “An independent investigation found that Mayor Fung knew about his police chief’s inappropriate actions but didn’t do anything about it. Now, Mr. Palombo has been charged with domestic assault. Mayor Fung needs to acknowledge his long, personal relationship with Mr. Palombo and explain to Rhode Islanders why his lack of judgment doesn’t disqualify him from leading our state.”

The WPRO news team made attempts to speak with Mr. Olasanoye multiple times on Monday, but were told the president was unavailable.

Cranston Mayor Allan Fung (R) who announced his run for Governor in November, was not available for an interview Monday. His campaign staff provided the following statement, “It is shameful that the RI Democratic Party is trying to exploit these awful allegations for cheap political purposes. Our thoughts are with the victim and the children at this time.”

The Governor’s office communicated to WPRO that the RI Democratic Party speaks for itself.