RI state senator accused of sending nude photos of ex-girlfriend to NH man
Photos were taken, sent without woman's knowledge
Photos were taken, sent without woman's knowledge
Photos were taken, sent without woman's knowledge
A Rhode Island state senator is accused of sending naked photos of his ex-girlfriend to a New Hampshire man without her knowledge.
Last month, police in Rhode Island raided the home of Nicholas Kettle and took several electronics.
On Friday, Kettle, 27, was arraigned on a charge of video voyeurism for allegedly sending explicit photos of his ex-girlfriend without her knowledge to a man in New Hampshire. The woman told police the photos were taken without permission.
In January, police also searched the New Hampshire man’s home on the Springfield town line and seized electronics, but that man has not been charged.
A person at the house declined to comment to News 9 on Monday.
On Monday, Kettle was arraigned on a separate case on two counts of extortion stemming from 2011. Prosecutors said he threatened a former Rhode Island State House intern to engage in sexual acts against his will.
“We believe this is a political witch hunt, spearheaded by one of Mr. Kettle's former rivals,” said defense attorney J.A. Dixon-Acosta. “Mr. Kettle has no comment.”
Rhode Island Democrats and Republicans are calling on Kettle to resign.
“This is not a partisan issue,” said Kevin Olasanoye, of the Rhode Island Democratic Party. “It's about right and wrong, and it's about being able to not be a distraction from the serious issues that are going on in this building.”
Kettle has pleaded not guilty.
“He's terrified,” said defense attorney Paul Dimaio. “He's about 5 feet 3 inches (tall). He's about 125 pounds soaking wet. He's a young 27-year-old. He's scared about his future. If he's a criminal, it's not apparent to me.”
Kettle was released on personal recognizance bail and will be back in court in May.