# RI.gov: Rhode Island Government


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Interim Report of the Providence County Grand Jury (Reported October 23, 2019)

The investigation into an incident at the Wyatt Detention Facility on August 14, 2019 has concluded. The investigation was presented to a Providence County Grand Jury. The Providence County Grand Jury this morning reported that no criminal charges are warranted in connection with the investigation.

"The grand jury worked hard to carefully sort through all the testimony and evidence that was presented to them. From my own experience, I am sure that they had to deal with complicated legal and factual issues, including determining the intent of those whose conduct was within the scope of their investigation and whether that intent rose to the level of criminal misconduct," said Attorney General Peter F. Neronha. "Often, these are not easy issues for grand jurors or trial jurors to grapple with. I am grateful to them for their public service."

"A peaceful protest – a right enshrined in our Constitution – devolved into an extremely unfortunate incident that could have been avoided had better systems been in place to ensure public safety. There is much to learn from this incident. It is my hope that we will do so."

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