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Tuesday, October 25, 2011

BULLETIN: Chariho board member arrested

Richmond Police arrest Chariho school committee member Terri Serra for role in students' car crash

This news release was just issued by the Richmond Police:





On October 25th, 2011 at approximately 7:30 PM, the Richmond Police Department arrested Terri Serra, age 49, of 155 Kenyon Hill Trail, Richmond, on a misdemeanor charge of FURNISHING OR PROCUREMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES FOR UNDERAGE PERSONS, under RIGL 3-8-11.1, for an alleged violation of Rhode Island's Social Host Law.

 Mrs. Serra was accompanied by her attorney when she surrendered herself at the police station on the strength of an affidavit and arrest warrant that the Richmond Police obtained that same date. Mrs. Serra was processed at the police station and arraigned before a Justice-of-the-Peace.

She was subsequently released on $1,000 personal recognizance and is scheduled to appear for rearraignment in 4th District Court on November 10th, 2011.

 This arrest was the result of an investigation that began shortly after a serious one-car accident that occurred in the early morning hours of October 23rd, in the Town of Charlestown leaving the four juvenile occupants seriously or critically injured.

 There is no evidence to support that Mrs. Serra provided any alcohol to the youths who congregated at her property during an impromptu gathering of approximately 14 teenagers, but the youths were on her property over a span of approximately 3-4 hours and it is clear that some of the attendees consumed alcohol, including beer and vodka, during that period of time.

 A warrant was sought after an objective evaluation of the evidence gathered thus far led our department to believe that probable cause existed to warrant the above charge.

 The arrest does not conclude our inquiry into the circumstances preceding the crash and anyone having additional information relevant to this investigation is encouraged to contact the Richmond Police Department at 401-539-8289.

 Thank you,
Elwood Johnson
 Chief of the Richmond Police Department
1168 Main Street

Our previous report on the crash is here.