Listen to the article
A prominent Rhode Island Democrat has been charged with driving under the influence after a traffic stop where she asked a police officer “You know who I am?” according to police bodycam footage recently released to the public.
Maria Bucci, 51, chairwoman of the Democratic committee in Cranston, Rhode Island’s second-largest city, was pulled over on December 18 in East Greenwich for what the officer described as erratic driving. The footage shows Bucci’s interaction with law enforcement, which escalated from a routine traffic stop to an arrest.
According to the video, shortly after being stopped, Bucci asked the officer, “You know who I am right?” after he mentioned smelling alcohol on her breath. The officer firmly responded, “I don’t know who you are miss,” before adding, “You can start throwing out names and start doing out what you need to do, it’s not going to work with me, I’m telling you right now, I’m not the guy for that.”
Bucci is well-known in Rhode Island political circles. She previously served on the Cranston City Council from 2004 to 2008 and mounted unsuccessful campaigns for both Cranston mayor and a seat in the Rhode Island House of Representatives in recent years.
During the recorded encounter, the officer attempted to conduct a series of standard field sobriety tests. Bucci, who admitted to having a glass of wine after attending a Christmas party that evening, grew increasingly agitated throughout the interaction.
At one point during the traffic stop, Bucci demanded the officer “Call my husband right now, and call the attorney general and everybody else in town, cause this is disgusting.” She then added, “God forbid I was a Black person, I’d be arrested,” suggesting racial disparities in law enforcement practices.
As the incident progressed and the officer moved to place her under arrest, Bucci directed profanity at him, calling him “a loser” and insisting, “Like I am not drinking.” The video shows her looking directly into the officer’s body camera during parts of the interaction.
The case comes amid heightened scrutiny of public officials’ behavior during law enforcement encounters. Similar incidents involving political figures have raised questions about expectations of preferential treatment based on position or status. Just recently, another Rhode Island legal official was placed on unpaid leave following a similar controversial arrest.
This incident bears resemblance to other cases where public officials have invoked their positions during law enforcement interactions. These cases often generate public debate about whether elected officials and public servants should be held to higher standards of conduct than ordinary citizens.
The misdemeanor DUI charge against Bucci carries potential penalties including fines, license suspension, and even possible jail time, depending on factors such as blood alcohol level and whether this is a first offense. Beyond legal consequences, political figures facing such charges often experience significant professional ramifications.
Bucci was released on $1,000 personal recognizance bond after her arrest. She is scheduled for arraignment on January 5, according to local media reports.
Neither Bucci nor representatives from the Rhode Island Democratic Party responded to requests for comment on the incident when contacted by reporters.
The release of bodycam footage in cases involving public officials has become increasingly common as law enforcement agencies seek to demonstrate transparency. Such video evidence provides the public with direct insight into interactions between police and citizens, though it can also subject those involved to heightened scrutiny and judgment in the court of public opinion.
The case continues to develop as Bucci prepares for her upcoming court appearance next month.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
7 Comments
The release of the bodycam footage is important for public transparency. Voters deserve to know how their elected representatives behave, especially when accused of breaking the law.
This is a concerning incident. Elected officials should be held to the same standards as everyone else when it comes to impaired driving. The public deserves leaders who set a good example and respect the law.
While the details are still emerging, the footage raises concerning questions about potential abuse of power. Elected officials must be held to high ethical standards and face consequences for any wrongdoing.
This is a complex issue with political undertones. I’m curious to see how the legal process unfolds and whether any disciplinary actions are taken against the official involved.
Drunk driving is a serious issue that affects communities across the country. I hope this case is handled fairly and impartially, without any special treatment or favoritism.
It’s troubling to see a public figure allegedly try to use their position to avoid accountability. Drunk driving puts lives at risk and should be taken seriously no matter one’s political status.
I agree. It’s disappointing that a local party leader would allegedly try to leverage their position during a traffic stop. Transparency and equal application of the law are critical.