Matthew R. Reilly, a Republican municipal council member, is called to resign after being found "choking" in his car under the influence of crack.
After being discovered "choking" in his vehicle on Monday, May 15, passed out and apparently under the influence of crack, a call for his resignation as a Republican municipal councilman emerges.
Fentanyl Found in Reilly's Car
In a report by New York Post, police said Cranston City Council Member Matthew R. Reilly was discovered sleeping in his car at about noon. A body cam evidence confirms this.
In the footage, a police officer can be heard shaking awake Reilly, 41, and saying, "You were literally choking in your sleep. Someone was flagging me down about it."
Reilly apologizes, claiming he has sleep apnea, but the officer pointed out the crack pipe in his hand.
Initially, Reilly denied that he had drugs in his vehicle, telling police investigators that he had smoked "earlier" and was on his way to work at Family Court.
Reilly, who had been sober for 13 years when the cops discovered crack cocaine in the car's center console, confessed that the breakdown of his marriage was a contributing factor to his relapse.
The council member came forward about his struggles and said he was seeking treatment. One of the policemen questioned, "If you're getting help, what happened?"
A sample of the crack containing fentanyl was recovered in Reilly's car, and the police are shown analyzing it in the footage. Officers in the video describe smelling smoke, and the driver's seat is covered with a white substance.
Reilly has been arrested and charged with the minor offense of unauthorized possession of crack cocaine or fentanyl. He was given permission to leave before his scheduled June 15 arraignment.
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Demand for Reilly's Resignation
According to the Boston Globe, Reilly has already resigned from his position as chairman of the Cranston Republican Party at the request of Mayor Kenneth J. Hopkins, who is a fellow Republican.
"By relieving himself of his elective duties, Matt will have time to focus his attention on his personal well-being. It will allow him to focus on his family, away from the important responsibilities and spotlight of public office," said the mayor.
Democrat and president of the city council Jessica Marino also weighed in, expressing her desire for Reilly to step down. She stated that Reilly's resignation would be best for him, his family, and the community.
She voiced concern for his and his family's health and happiness, saying, "Anyone that is going through the situation, my thoughts of his overall well-being as a human is first and foremost, and that of his family ... Politics should not be a priority in the situation that he's currently facing."
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