Accused con man back in Rhode Island

CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI) - Read updated story on Millette's court appearance.

A local man wanted in at least three states for allegedly scamming people of thousands of dollars has been returned to Rhode Island and is being held at the state prison.

Kevin Millette, 45, of North Smithfield was arrested earlier this month by a U.S. Marshals task force, hiding out at a hotel in New Jersey. The Rhode Island State Police have been tracking Millette’s movements since a Target 12 Investigation last year revealed he was accused of swindling victims up and down the east cost in elaborate car and motorcycle schemes.

One of the victims is former NHL star Jeffrey Jillson from Rhode Island. A civil suit alleges Millette took Jillson for more than $80,000 with hollow promises of delivering motorcycle parts and a Mercedes.

Millette went on the run in 2009 after he was charged by North Smithfield police in the Jillson case. A Target 12 review of records shows he was accused of similar scams in Warwick, New Hampshire, Florida and served a year in federal prison after being convicted of a motorcycle scam in Virginia.

According to federal prosecutors, Millette duped a group of blue-collar investors of more than $600,000.

Tim White ( twhite@wpri.com ) is the Target 12 investigative reporter for WPRI 12 and Fox Providence. Follow him on Twitter: @white_tim