Cranston, Rhode Island, is experiencing a storm of political turmoil as allegations of blackmail and misuse of power have led to a State Police investigation and the abrupt resignation of City Council member Aniece Germain. Germain, the first Black woman and Haitian-American to serve on the council, claims she was given an ultimatum by fellow Democrats to either surrender her seat or face public hearings into her nonprofit’s fundraising activities after its tax-exempt status was revoked. Germain alleges that City Council President Jessica Marino yelled at her and threatened to humiliate her and her children if she did not resign. Marino denies these allegations, calling them “sensational, false, and malicious.” Amidst these allegations, the City Council’s Democratic majority appointed Kristen E. Haroian to fill the vacancy created by Germain’s resignation. Haroian is a Cranston School Committee member and special assistant to the chief of staff for House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi. The Rhode Island State Police have confirmed an investigation into the matter following a request from the Cranston City Solicitor.
