Man charged with duping Catholic school

WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) - A North Providence man was arrested Tuesday following an investigation by the Rhode Island State Police Financial Crimes Unit.

Frank Nolan, 52, is being charged with obtaining money under false pretense.

According to Capt. David Neill, Nolan was contacted by St. Kevin School and School on Cathedral Road, both in Warwick, to raise money.

Capt. Neill says Nolan accepted $20,000 to raise money for student scholarship funds.

As part of the agreement, Nolan was supposed to work a minimum number of hours each week on the fundraising effort. He was also required to document all time spent fundraising.

According to the State Police, Nolan told the school he had raised $190,300, including a highly publicized donation of $50,000 from actress Renee Zellweger.

The State Police became involved after being contacted by the Parish Pastor, who became suspicious when he says Nolan began to avoid contact with the school.

Investigators say the documentation provided by Nolan to prove he held up his end of the contact was falsified, and that Nolan had never spoken with Zellweger.

Nolan has been arraigned in Third District Court. He has been released on $10,000 personal recognizance.