Jamestown cops charge Gov. Chafee's son

JAMESTOWN, R.I. (WPRI) - The 18-year-old son of Gov. Lincoln Chafee was charged in Jamestown over the weekend after police said he was caught on camera trying to buy beer at a liquor store.

According to a police report first obtained by Eyewitness News, video from a surveillance camera at Jamestown Wine and Spirits on Southwest Ave. shows Caleb Chafee walk up and put two cases of beer on the counter.

• Extra: Read the Jamestown P.D. Police Report

Police said Chafee then got a phone call, told the clerk he had no money and said he'd be back. At that point, the report states Chafee got into the front seat of a blue BMW, which drove away from the store. However, Det. Derek Carlino was not far behind.

According to the police report, Carlino was parked outside the liquor store and saw Chafee go in. While observing the blue BMW, the officer said a passenger in the backseat of the car kept looking at him and then looking down.

"[I] observed this subject look over at me more than a dozen times," Det. Carlino wrote in his report. "It appeared this subject was very nervous about my presence.

Shortly after the BMW left the liquor store, Det. Carlino pulled the car over and - after asking for identification - determined all three males in the car were 18.

Carlino said he asked Chafee why he went into the liquor store and governor's son responded with "umm" several times.

After the detective said it should not take that long to tell the truth, the police report states Chafee said "I wish to take the fifth."

According to the report, Carlino then questioned the driver, Fergus O'Farrell, who told police Chafee went into the store to buy alcohol. When Carlino asked if O'Farrell or his other passenger, Lucas Indeglia, texted Chafee to warn him about police presence outside the store, O'Farrell said he did not.

Even though the liquor store clerk told police Chafee said he didn't money to buy the beer, Carlino said he noticed Chafee's wallet had a large amount of cash, along with a debit card, inside.

When Carlino began to question Indeglia, he said Chafee shouted to his friend, "take the fifth."

At that point the officer said he warned Chafee that he'd be placed under arrest if he attempted to obstruct the investigation again.

While searching the vehicle for a possible fake identification, Carlino said he could see - through the center armrest - a 24-pack of Heineken, a 30-pack of Coors Light and a bottler of Jagermeister.

After popping the trunk, Carlino said another officer informed him the alcohol - which was unopened - was still cold. He said none of the three teens would tell police who bought the alcohol.

Caleb Chafee was charged with entering a premise with intent to purchase alcohol, which is a violation.

O'Farrell is accused of possession of alcohol and transportation of alcohol by a minor, both misdemeanors.

When asked about his son's run-in with the law, Gov. Chafee released the following statement Tuesday afternoon:

“When I and other public officials run for office, we understand that there is additional scrutiny that comes with the positions we seek. Stephanie and I take this situation very seriously, as would all parents.”