complete and total disregard for the safety of others, for the law, and for basic human respect, well
then this court has an obligation.
It is an obligation to protect the community and to send a message that no one, and I mean no one, is above the law.
Now, let me talk about something else that has been brought to my attention.
The defendant’s father, Robert Thornton, CEO of Thornton Industries, a company that owns 17 commercial properties in downtown Providence and 12 residential developments across Rhode Island, employing over 230 people, has been trying to use his influence to make this case go away.
Between August 20th and September 5th, I personally received seven phone calls to my chambers.
I received four written letters.
I have had three different people come to my office, including city councilman James Patterson from Ward 3, attorney Michael Brereslin from the firm
