WPD Charges Former School Building Director With Misappropriating 70K in Equipment

Warwick, RI — David LaPlante, 48, the former Director of Warwick Schools Buildings and Grounds fired by the School Committee Dec. 8, for “purchasing irregularities” has been charged with five felony counts of Wrongful Conversion by Municipal Employee after misappropriating more than $70,000 worth of equipment, Warwick Police report.

A release distributed to media this morning states that Warwick Schools Superintendent Phil Thornton and members of his staff met with Warwick Police Dec. 2 to report the irregularities.

Warwick Police began an investigation, including an extensive review of purchase records for the Warwick School Department. Based on this review two search warrants were executed at LaPlante’s residence at 100 Fairway Lane in Warwick, according to Warwick Police Maj. Christine Kelley.

Police removed equipment and tools from LaPlante’s home alleged to have been misappropriated from the Warwick School Department. Much was returned to the Warwick School Department, while the rest is being held by the Warwick Police Department as evidence. The total value of the tools and equipment that are alleged to have been misappropriated from the Warwick School Department is approximately $72,662.67, from five separate vendors, Kelley reported.

As a result of this investigation, LaPlante was charged today by the Warwick Police Department with five felony counts of Wrongful Conversion by Municipal. He was arraigned earlier today at the Kent County Court House and released on $50,00 personal recognizance bail this morning from the Kent County Courthouse.

A screening conference is scheduled with the Department of Attorney General on Feb. 8.