ACLU: Illegal meetings being held in CF

CENTRAL FALLS, R.I. (WPRI) - Rhode Island's chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is accusing Central Falls Receiver Robert Flanders, Jr. of holding illegal meetings in the city.

According to a news release, the organization wrote a letter to Flanders in response to meetings that were held to address the city's controversial overnight parking ban.

In the letter, the ACLU claims that Flanders had staff members conduct the meetings, and was never actually present during them.

ACLU executive director Steven Brown believes that in doing so, Flanders was abusing the power given to him under state law, saying that "third parties, including staff members, simply should not be able to formally exercise the extraordinary powers that have been given the receiver."

The letter was sent to Flanders on January 11, and so far no response has been received.