The Barrington Police Department has made an arrest in its investigation into an alleged fund-raising scheme that was tied to the local police union.

On Friday, March 7, Barrington Police charged Edward Lima, 54, of Cranston, with two counts of obtaining property by false pretenses/personation under $1,500. 

The charges are misdemeanors and stem from an investigation into an apparent fund-raising scheme tied to the local police union. 

Police said Lima was working for TCI America, a fundraising company, and telling potential donors that money raised for the local police union would benefit the Lane family of Barrington. Christine Lane and her teenage son Spencer were killed in late January in a plane crash in Washington D.C. 

“Lima was never authorized by anyone to ask for donations for the Lane Family or authorized to use the Lane Family Name,” stated the arrest report. 

Barrington Police Chief Michael Correia added: “There was no indication that anyone affiliated with Barrington Police or the Barrington Police Union gave any authorization to use the Lane Family (name).”

Chief Correia said Lima admitted that he did use the Lane Family’s name while soliciting donations. 

“I think this person sensed an opportunity,” Chief Correia said of Lima. “It was a complete lapse of judgment.”

Barrington Police learned about the “scheme” on Friday, Feb. 21 when officials from Temple Habonim called police to report a suspicious fund-raising solicitation. Temple officials told police that an employee of TCI America spoke with the Temple administrator and the Rabbi and asked for a donation on behalf of the Barrington Police union and referenced the Lane Family.

A short time later, Barrington Police opened an investigation — they also contacted the Rhode Island Attorney General’s office.

Barrington Police identified two victims — two local businesses gave donations after being contacted by Lima. 

Chief Correia said there investigation remains open, and anyone else who had been contacted by Lima as part of the fund-raising scheme should call the department. 

“This person has been held accountable, and I think that’s important,” Chief Correia said.

The chief said the Barrington Police union will return all donations received as part of the scheme.