R.I. House Speaker Fox calls on accused Rep. Medina to 'suspend campaign'

Journal files / Connie Grosch

GORDON FOX

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Within hours of State Rep. Leo Medina's arraignment on charges of practicing law without a license, House Speaker Gordon Fox called on Medina to suspend his re-election campaign.

"Today's eight criminal charges for practicing law without a license, when combined with the three earlier charges of embezzlement that are still pending and other allegations that have recently come to light, add up to a very disturbing pattern of conduct," Fox said in a statement issued shortly before 4 p.m.

"Although everyone is entitled to their day in court, I believe it would be appropriate for Representative Medina to suspend his campaign and address these charges and allegations."