A high-profile Rhode Island Democrat has stumbled into a legal mess that’s raising eyebrows across the state.
On a chilly December evening, Maria Bucci, the 51-year-old chairwoman of the Democratic committee in Cranston, found herself in handcuffs during a traffic stop in East Greenwich, facing a misdemeanor DUI charge.
No one should be above scrutiny, and this case demands a full, transparent investigation to ensure accountability. Let’s not let political clout shield anyone from the consequences.
The drama unfolded on Dec. 18, 2025, when Bucci was pulled over by East Greenwich police for what an officer described as erratic driving. The smell of alcohol on her breath, as noted by the officer, quickly escalated the situation.
Bodycam footage captured Bucci admitting she’d had a glass of wine after attending a Christmas party earlier that evening. That’s a relatable holiday scenario for many, but it doesn’t excuse risky behavior behind the wheel.
During the stop, Bucci underwent sobriety tests, and the footage shows her making some eyebrow-raising remarks to the officer. Clearly, the pressure was mounting, but her words didn’t help her case.
In a moment of apparent frustration, Bucci asked the officer, “You know who I am?” as captured on the bodycam footage from the East Greenwich Police Department. Well, name-dropping might work at a fundraiser, but it’s a weak defense on the side of the road.
The officer, unfazed, replied, “I don’t know who you are, miss,” according to the same footage. Good for him—law enforcement shouldn’t bend for titles or influence, a principle conservatives have long championed against elite privilege.
Bucci didn’t stop there, later telling the officer, “Call my husband right now, and call the attorney general and everybody else in town, cause this is disgusting,” per the bodycam recording. Such demands reek of entitlement, and from a populist perspective, they undermine the idea that justice applies equally to all.
After failing to sway the officer, Bucci was taken into custody and placed in handcuffs. She was later released on a $1,000 personal recognizance, with an arraignment scheduled for early January 2026.
Bucci’s political resume is no small matter—she’s a former Cranston City Council member, a past mayoral candidate, and even ran for a state House seat last year, though unsuccessfully. That history makes this incident all the more disappointing for those who expect leaders to set an example.
Neither Bucci nor the Rhode Island Democratic Party offered immediate comments when contacted by Fox News Digital. Their silence speaks volumes, leaving the public to wonder if accountability will take a backseat to political damage control.
From a conservative lens, this isn’t about piling on Bucci personally—it’s about ensuring no one gets a pass because of their position. Rhode Islanders deserve leaders who prioritize public safety over personal indulgence, especially when driving under the influence is alleged.
The broader implication here is trust, or the lack thereof, in a system that sometimes seems to favor the connected. For everyday folks—parents, retirees, homeowners—this incident is a gut check: Will justice prevail, or will influence muddy the waters? Let’s hope the courts deliver clarity and fairness in January.
