Former Rhode Island Official Settles Ethics Fine for Misconduct on Business Trip

David Patten agrees to a $5,000 settlement following allegations of racist and sexist remarks during a Philadelphia trip.

David Patten, former Rhode Island official, settles a $5,000 ethics fine for misconduct during a Philadelphia business trip.
The Rhode Island Ethics Commission found Patten violated the state’s ethics code by making racially and ethnically charged remarks.
Patten resigned in June following an investigation into his behavior, which his lawyer attributed to an acute stress event.
James Thorsen, another former official involved in the trip, is defending himself against ethics code violations in a future hearing.
The incident led to the termination of a contract with Scout Ltd. for the redevelopment of Providence’s Cranston Street Armory.