RI rep. calls arrest 'political ploy'

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- State Rep. Leo Medina was released on $5,000 bail after pleading not guilty to eight counts of unauthorized practice of law.

Medina was arraigned in Providence District Court just before noon Tuesday.

The state alleges the lawmaker advertised himself as an attorney, provided legal advice and counseling, and even received fees for services performed as an attorney, though Medina doesn't have a law license.

Last month, a Providence man filed a complaint against Medina, saying he promoted his business as if it were a law office.

Rhode Island State Police and the Attorney General's Office conducted an investigation into Medina's dealings at the request of the state Supreme Court, along with its Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee.

Following his arraignment, Medina told reporters the charges against him were "nothing more than a political ploy."

He is currently in a primary battle with former state Rep. Joseph Almeida, who is trying to retake the seat he lost to Medina two years ago.

When asked, Almeida said Tuesday he won't turn Medina's arrests into a campaign issue .

Rep. Medina's arrest is the second this year.

He was arraigned back in March on embezzlement charges. He's accused of pocketing funds from a friend's deceased daughter's life insurance policy.

He pleaded not guilty to those charges, for which a pre-trial conference is scheduled for Sept. 6.