Former Rhode Island state trooper accepts plea deal after driving away from DUI stop

JOHNSTON, R.I. — A ex-Rhode Island State Police sergeant who was forced to retire following a traffic stop for suspected drunk driving has entered a plea agreement.

Nuno Vasconcelos, 51, of Johnston, pleaded no contest to reckless driving Tuesday morning. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to dismiss an obstruction charge.

The case stems from a March traffic stop in which fellow troopers pulled over Vasconcelos after reports of him driving erratically. He was not administered a field sobriety test and was allowed to drive away from the scene. Police dashcam footage shows him swerving in-between lanes across I-295 in Cranston.

Following the incident, both criminal and internal investigations were conducted. After 20 years on the force, Vasconcelos was compelled to retire under a rarely used state law. He was never formally charged with driving under the influence.

Under the plea deal, Vasconcelos was sentenced to one year of probation with requirements that he attend substance abuse counseling, complete 10 hours of community service, and pay court costs.

Back in July, the Rhode Island  Office of the Attorney General stated that they were reviewing the case to determine if additional charges are warranted.  The office further stated that despite the event happening in March, they were not notified until the end of July.