PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Pawtucket police have suspended a
city police officer with pay while he faces domestic violence allegations
involving his ex-girlfriend.
Officer Steven Ricco was charged last month with domestic
assault and disorderly conduct. He appeared Wednesday in Providence District
Court, where a judge set a trial date of April 17.
His ex-girlfriend alleges she was pregnant with Ricco's
child and he assaulted her when she refused to get an abortion. She also told
police that Ricco pulled out his service weapon and told her to kill him.
Ricco's lawyer, John Harwood, told WJAR-TV ( ) on Wednesday
that the allegations are absurd and outrageous. Harwood said he is gathering
information on the ex-girlfriend's background.
Pawtucket police have confirmed that Ricco is suspended
pending an internal affairs investigation.