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Updated: Friday, 07 May 2010, 6:11 PM EDT
Published : Friday, 07 May 2010, 4:14 PM EDT

Brian Costa

NORTH PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Eyewitness News has learned through the North Providence Mayor's office that Town Council President Joseph Burchfield is resigning from the Council. Burchfield is one of three Council members facing corruption charges .

The mayor's office confirmed just before 4:00 p.m. Friday they received a letter revealing Burchfield's resignation.

The letter reads, in-part....

Joseph Burchfield (Former North Providence Town Councilor): “This action, I believe, is in the best interest of the residents of North Providence in light of recent federal allegations. The allegations and media attention are distractions that threaten to overshadow the very real work that is needed to shepherd North Providence through these difficult economic times.”

Burchfield along with Councilman Raymond Douglas and Councilman John Zambarano have been charged with extortion and accepting a bribe, after being arrested by the FBI early Thursday morning.

Burchfield is also paid $52,000 annually as the constituent liaison for the state Senate.

Please stay with Eyewitness News and WPRI.com for more on the latest developments of Operation Crackdown.

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