RI Rep Gordon released on bail

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI/AP) - Rhode Island State Rep. Daniel Gordon is a free man after being released on $1,000 bail at Fall River District Court late Monday afternoon, according to our news partners at The Providence Journal.

Gordon waived his right to an extradition hearing during an appearance Monday in U.S. District Court in Providence.

Gordon was arrested by the Rhode Island State Police on two misdemeanor charges, the Target 12 Investigators have learned. Officials say Gordon failed to appear in Fall River District Court in October 2008 to answer allegations of failing to stop for police, a subsequent offense of driving with a suspended license and other charges from an April 20, 2008, traffic stop.

Gordon, 42, of Portsmouth, was arrested Wednesday and charged with driving with a suspended license, according to the Rhode Island Judiciary website. Law enforcement sources said Gordon was arrested again on Friday after police learned he had an outstanding warrant out of Massachusetts for “eluding an officer.” Both charges are misdemeanors.

Gordon, a Republican, was elected as a state representative last November, defeating Democrat George Alzaibak by just 47 votes. He succeeded fellow Republican Rep. John Loughlin, who retired to mount a losing bid for Congress against David Cicilline.

He was recently expelled from the House Republican caucus after party leaders said he made derogatory online comments about other GOP representatives.

It's not clear if Gordon has a lawyer.

Gordon works as an independent contractor and served in the U.S. Marine Corps, according to his official biography. He owns Alliance Building Contractors LLC, which bids on federal projects set aside for companies started by disabled veterans. He listed no other assets or sources of income on his most recent financial disclosure form.

In a rare move, Gordon was evicted from the Republican caucus earlier this month. He made headlines in March when he criticized Tiverton High School for allowing the formation of a Gay-Straight Alliance student group.

Gordon’s arrest is another legal black eye for the Rhode Island General Assembly. Fellow Republican Rep. Robert Watson was arrested in April, charged by Connecticut police with driving under the influence and possession of marijuana.

Earlier this month, State Rep. Leo Medina, D-Providence, was arrested and charged with misappropriation of funds for allegedly pocketing the funds from someone else’s life insurance policy.

Tim White ( twhite@wpri.com ) is the Target 12 investigative reporter for WPRI 12 and Fox Providence. Follow him on Twitter: @white_tim