RI Speaker Gordon Fox's sister arrested

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - The sister of House Speaker Gordon Fox is facing counterfeiting charges , after police said she tried to pay a utility worker with fake $100 bills.

Maureen Bento answered to the two counts of possessing and passing counterfeit bills in Providence District Court Thursday morning. She was flanked by her attorney, former House Speaker William Murphy.

The case began with an unpaid utility bill, according to police. A National Grid worker went to Bento's home on Anthony Street Wednesday afternoon to shut off service. The employee said Bento tried to pay what she owed with three $100 bills. When the worker got back to the truck, she noticed the bills were fake and called police.

East Providence police said they discovered 13 counterfeit $100 bills inside Bento's home. Eyewitness News was on scene as investigators removed two computers and a printer/scanner . Police said the computers will undergo forensic analysis.

In a statement Thursday afternoon, Speaker Fox said "I learned of the accusation [Wednesday] night but I am unfamiliar with the details. I have not spoken with my sister, but I love her and stand behind her during this difficult time."

Neighbors said Wednesday evening thay Bento had told them it was all a misunderstanding.

Eyewitness News spoke to Bento's husband Thursday afternoon, who said his wife was presumed innocent.