2 Contract Workers At Portsmouth Transfer Station Accused Of Taking Bribe

PORTSMOUTH, RI — Two contract workers employed at the Portsmouth Transfer Station were arrested Saturday after police said they accepted a bribe for someone without a valid sticker to throw out trash at the station.

Portsmouth police charged Paul LaPierre, 46, of Providence, and Ricardo Torres Alcantar, 45, of Providence, with solicit/acceptance of bribe by agent, employee, or public official and conspiracy.

Police said LaPierre and Alcantar are both contract workers with Waste Connections, employed at the Portsmouth Transfer Station. Officers began investigating the incident earlier this month after someone who did not live in Portsmouth was seen entering the transfer station without a valid pass, police said.

According to police, LaPierre spoke with the person, who admitted they did not have the required permit. Police said LaPierre allowed them to throw out their trash in exchange for $50 in cash. LaPierre and Torres Alcantar then helped with the disposal, after which LaPierre shared half of the money with Torres Alcantar, according to police.

Both men were arraigned by a justice of the peace and were released on $2,000 bail with personal recognizance. They are scheduled to appear in Newport County District Court on Thursday.

Editor's note: This post was derived from information supplied by Portsmouth police and does not indicate a conviction. This link explains the removal request process for Rhode Island Patch police reports.

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