Newton Resigns As Chair of EG GOP Town Committee

After admitting his role in creating a fake Facebook page to mock a Rhode Island state representative and subsequent dismissal from his job with the House GOP Office, Chuck Newton plans to step down as chair of the East Greenwich Republican Town Committee. 

According to the NorthºEast Independent, Newton stepped down last week following the Facebook fallout.

Newton admitted to helping Republican Senator Nicholas Kettle (R-Dist. 21) of Coventry, Foster, West Greenwich, and Scituate create a Facebook page to mock Coventry Rep. Scott Guthrie - a Democrat. 

The page was created on Nov. 7. With a profile picture of a heart and Guthrie's distinctive mustache, the fake Guthrie had apparently friended other state leaders and at first glance, you might not realize the deception with innocuous posts like "Merry Christmas everyone!" and "Happy Thanksgiving! Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday."

But, Guthrie told police, the views in regards to the issues surrounding the Central Coventry Fire District "were opposite views and opinions of his" and he felt "the page was created for the sole reason to 'slander him personally and professionally.'"

The Coventry Police Department has closed the case, pending additional evidence The state's Attorney General's office, however, is reviewing the case.