NORTH SMITHFIELD — A North Smithfield man was arrested by state police last week and charged with fraudulently obtaining more than $41,000 in public assistance benefits.
Joshua Campbell, 42, of 260 Pound Hill Road was arrested by the Rhode Island State Police Financial Crimes Unit on Thursday, Nov. 13 on charges of obtaining more than $10,000 under false pretenses and accessing a computer for fraudulent purposes, according to a release from the agency. The address holds Phoenix Rising Equestrian Center but also has several rental units.
RISP detectives reportedly brought the charges after investigating complaints from other state agencies beginning months ago. Court documents reportedly state that Campbell obtained unemployment benefits during four separate periods of time between 2020 and 2024, while he was getting paid by a construction company.
Campbell surrendered at the State Police Headquarters, where he was processed, arraigned and released with bail at $10,000 personal recognizance. He is due back in 3rd Division District Court January 12, according to the state criminal database.
He was one of three Rhode Islanders charged for fraudulently obtaining public assistance in arrests last week.
