Maria Bucci, the chairwoman of the Cranston Democratic Committee and a former Cranston mayoral candidate, was arrested on a DUI charge in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, shortly after midnight on December 18, 2025, following a traffic stop whose body-camera footage went viral. Prosecutors later dismissed the DUI charge in exchange for her admission that she had refused a chemical blood-alcohol test, and a magistrate imposed community service, a license suspension, an ignition interlock requirement, and alcohol education.1Providence Journal. Cranston RI Dem Party Chair Has DUI Charge Dismissed
The Traffic Stop on Division Street
An East Greenwich police officer saw a white Lincoln Aviator swerving on Division Street and pulled it over.2WJAR. Former Cranston Mayoral Candidate Maria Bucci Charged With DUI According to the police report, the officer noted a strong smell of alcohol inside the car, bloodshot and glassy eyes, and slurred speech.3WPRI. Former Cranston Mayoral Candidate Arrested on DUI Charge
The body-camera recording captured Bucci asking the officer, “You know who I am, right?” The officer answered that he did not. She referenced family members in law enforcement, argued when the officer attempted field sobriety tests, and told her cousin, a passenger in the vehicle, to call her husband “and call the attorney general and everybody else.”3WPRI. Former Cranston Mayoral Candidate Arrested on DUI Charge During transport to the station, she directed profanity at officers and made disparaging remarks about the profession.4Police1. BWC Shows Former RI Mayoral Candidate Berating Officers During DUI Arrest
Charges and Release
Bucci was charged with a misdemeanor DUI, first offense, and issued multiple traffic citations. She was released on $1,000 personal recognizance.4Police1. BWC Shows Former RI Mayoral Candidate Berating Officers During DUI Arrest
How the Case Was Resolved
Bucci pleaded not guilty at her arraignment on January 5, 2026. The following day, prosecutors dismissed the DUI charge in exchange for her admission that she had refused to submit to a chemical blood-alcohol test.1Providence Journal. Cranston RI Dem Party Chair Has DUI Charge Dismissed
Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal Magistrate Joseph A. Abbate sentenced her to 20 hours of community service, a 30-day driver’s license suspension, six months of ignition interlock device usage, and participation in an alcohol education program. Several additional traffic citations, including roadway violations and driving without proof of insurance, were also dismissed.1Providence Journal. Cranston RI Dem Party Chair Has DUI Charge Dismissed
Political Fallout
Bucci was serving as chairwoman of the Cranston Democratic Committee at the time of the arrest. Elizabeth Beretta-Perik, chairwoman of the Rhode Island Democratic Party, publicly asked her to step down from that post, while acknowledging that removing the committee chair was “ultimately a decision for the committee” rather than the state party.5Boston Globe. Maria Bucci DUI Charge Dismissed As of early 2026, no public reporting indicated Bucci had resigned or been formally removed.
Who Maria Bucci Is
Bucci is a Cranston Democrat with a long record in local politics. She served on the Cranston City Council representing Ward 4, first elected in 2006 and returning to the seat by appointment in February 2012.6City of Cranston. Elected Officials7Patch. Bucci Back on Council She won the 2020 Democratic primary for mayor of Cranston but lost the November general election to Republican Kenneth Hopkins.8Providence Journal. Bucci Wins Democratic Primary for Cranston Mayor9State of Rhode Island. General Election Results – Mayor of Cranston In 2024, she ran for Rhode Island House District 15 and lost to Republican Christopher Paplauskas by 26 votes after a recount.10Rhode Island Current. Recount Puts Cranston Republican on Top in House District 15 Race
A Note on the East Greenwich Prevention Director
Reporting on the arrest drew attention to a Maria Bucci listed as Director of Prevention and Support Services for the Town of East Greenwich, a department focused on reducing drug and alcohol misuse.11Town of East Greenwich. Prevention and Support Services East Greenwich News reported that the Maria Bucci arrested in East Greenwich and the Maria Bucci serving as the town’s prevention director are not the same person.12East Greenwich News. Town Hires New Director of Prevention Support Services