Ex-RI rep. arrested for fraudulent law practice

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- State police have once again arrested embattled former state Rep. Leo Medina.

Members of the Financial Crimes Unit took Medina into custody on Monday, Oct. 29. He's facing two counts each of obtaining money under false pretenses, unauthorized holdout as qualified to practice law, agreement to furnish legal services, solicitation of business by agents, compensation of unqualified persons for legal services, receipts of fee as practice of law, and practice restricted to members of the bar.

We're told the state police unit were informed in August that two unrelated victims alleged that Medina, who's not a member of the RI Bar Association, led them to believe he was in fact an attorney and charged them for legal services.

Back in July, a Providence man filed a complaint that the former lawmaker represented himself as an attorney and "conned" him out of tens of thousands of dollars.

• More: RI Rep. Calls Arrest a "Political Ploy"

Medina was also accused of violating campaign finance laws in September.

The 48-year-old was arraigned and released on $10,000 personal recognizance.