Allegations of Misconduct Rock NAACP Providence Branch

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Law enforcement officers investigate a disturbance in Providence amid financial allegations against the NAACP branch.

News Summary

The NAACP Providence branch is under investigation for financial misconduct, prompting scrutiny from federal authorities. On the same day, police responded to disturbances including an armed robbery at Roger Williams Park. Multiple arrests were made, and the ongoing investigations continue to unfold as the branch faces internal challenges after displacing its officers due to bylaws violations.

Providence – Investigations are underway following several disturbances and allegations of financial misconduct involving the NAACP Providence branch, which has recently been the focus of both local law enforcement and federal authorities.

Late Saturday night, police closed part of Amherst Street while they investigated an unspecified incident. Multiple police cruisers were spotted at the scene, along with police tape. ABC6 News has reached out to the Providence police department for additional information, which remains unclear as the investigation is ongoing.

In conjunction with the disturbances, Providence police made three arrests related to an armed robbery that occurred at Roger Williams Park on Saturday. During this incident, the victim, a lemonade vendor, reported being assaulted with a hammer before the suspects stole cash. Police quickly located and arrested the suspects after they fled the scene in a vehicle.

Earlier this week, police also responded to a report of a person being struck by a vehicle and a gunshot fired near the intersection of Peace and Updike streets. Authorities arrived around 6 p.m. on Tuesday and found a victim who was subsequently hospitalized with injuries that were not life-threatening. Witnesses at the scene were reportedly uncooperative in providing details to police.

Meanwhile, the NAACP Providence branch is embroiled in allegations of financial misconduct that have prompted scrutiny from national leaders. A complaint regarding the branch’s finances has been filed and referred to the FBI for further investigation. Officials characterized the complaint as “financial in nature” and indicated that it spans multiple jurisdictions.

Providence police Deputy Chief Tim O’Hara clarified that the local police department is not conducting this particular investigation, but is collaborating by referring the matter to federal authorities. The NAACP has recently placed the Providence branch under “administratorship,” removing its officers for failing to comply with internal bylaws.

This scrutiny comes on the heels of prior legal troubles experienced by the branch’s former president, Gerard Catala, who was convicted of campaign finance violations. Catala faced legal repercussions for neglecting to file necessary campaign finance documents during his unsuccessful bid for the Providence City Council in 2022. He was ordered to complete 20 hours of community service due to these violations.

In light of these events, officials from the NAACP indicated that the situation is being taken seriously and is being handled in accordance with their organizational bylaws. However, specific details regarding the ongoing investigations and complaints remain pending.

As the situation evolves, members of the public can stay informed about updates through various news outlets and their social media platforms.