State-level government criminals in the crosshairs? Let's hope! RI needs to be rescued, and fast.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – A former Rhode Island senator will spend two years behind bars in what prosecutors called a staggering and elaborate case of bank fraud.

In 2018, James Doyle pleaded guilty to swindling three banks out of nearly half a million dollars through a check scheme that lasted from 2013 to 2016—while he was serving as a state senator.

On Friday, Doyle's lawyers asked for home confinement, but the judge believed the crime deserved prison time, sentencing the 46-year-old to two years.

Doyle took a moment during the sentencing to apologize to those affected by the scheme. "You can't blame anybody but yourself when these situations occur,” said Doyle. “I let a lot of people down."

On top of spending two years behind bars, Doyle was sentenced to 3 years supervised released.

He must also pay $426,000 in restitution back to those banks.

Doyle said in court Friday that he accepts the ruling and is ready to serve his time and move on with his life.

"Believe it or not, I know it's tough, but I am at peace today,” Doyle said.

Doyle will self-surrender to begin his term April 30th.

©WLNE-TV / ABC6 2019

http://www.abc6.com/story/40300779/former-ri-lawmaker-sentenced-in-bank-fraud-fraud-case?fbclid=IwAR1AOqzCSqYFw9mZaHOuyWoFqsYK_u2pjPOUcvhR_JN7ywuAEphsiwr-KVM