House Minority Leader Says Rep. Daniel Gordon Should 'Resign'

Should resign from office following his arrest? The House Minority Leader thinks so. 

Brian Newberry (Republican-District 48, North Smithfield, Burrillville), says Gordon should resign following his arrest by State Police. The Providence Journal reports Newberry issued a statement on Monday, in which the House GOP Leader says Gordon should step down.

To read the statement and the Providence Journal article, click here. 

The Rhode Island Republican Party also issued this statement Monday afternoon: 

Based on the allegations made upon Gordon (R-District 71, Jamestown, Portsmouth, Little Compton) “we find Rep. Gordon’s past criminal record extremely troubling.

"We are going to further investigate the facts of this case and wait for a ruling from the Massachusetts court," said Ken McKay, chairman of the Rhode Island Republican Party.  

Gordon of 35 Allan Ave. in Portsmouth was arraigned in Providence District Court on Monday morning following a stay in the Adult Correctional Institute (ACI) after Rhode Island State Police arrested him on extensive Massachusetts driving charges.

The representative now faces a Massachusetts "fugitive" charge after
he waived extradition rights in district court.

As of late Monday morning, he waited in a district court cell block to be taken to the Fall River Judiciary Center by Fall River police officers.

Rep. Gordon was arrested in April of 2008 after he allegedly failed to stop for police, drove without a registration and with a suspended license, marked lanes violations and a number plate violation to conceal identification in Somerset, MA. He then failed to appear in court, according to district court documents.

According to Bristol House of Corrections (HOC) spokesperson Bernie Sullvian, Gordon has been incarcerated three times since 1999: 

• From March 1999 to July 17, 1999, Gordon was held at the HOC on the charge of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. The charge was issued by Taunton police.

• From June 23, 2003 to July 22, 2003, Gorton was also held at the HOC awaiting pre-trial on another charge of assault and battery. 

• From Oct. 25, 2004 to Nov. 10, 2004, he was also held at the HOC to await pre-trial on the charge of attempted murder, which was issued by Fall River police. Details about this charge, and any possible conviction, are unknown at this time. 

Portsmouth Patch will continue to follow this story as it develops.