Rhode Island Mayor Accused of Taking Classic MGB Without Paying

Lawsuit Alleges Mayor Drove Off in Classic MGB

The mayor of Cranston, RI, is facing a lawsuit accusing him of driving off in a classic MGB without paying the owner or agreeing to a sale. Davide Broccoli claims that Mayor Ken Hopkins has been pressuring him to hand over the car’s title and has engaged in harassment. Hopkins, on the other hand, says that Broccoli gave him the keys and told him to take the car, and believes the lawsuit is a political attack ahead of the GOP primary.

Background of the Lawsuit

In the lawsuit, Davide Broccoli’s legal team alleges that Mayor Kenneth Hopkins wrongfully took ownership of the motor vehicle without authorization or any agreement to pay for it. Broccoli states that Hopkins and an unidentified woman visited his property in 2021 to view the 1975 MGB roadster, but there was no mention of a purchase at that time. Hopkins claims he was drawn to the car because the “MG” badge matched the initials of his late wife.

Controversy and Harassment

According to Broccoli, Hopkins got into the car, drove it forward and reverse, and declared that he was taking it. Broccoli questioned Hopkins, stating that there was no license plate and uncertainty about the car’s roadworthiness. Hopkins allegedly responded, “I’m the mayor, I can do what I want.” After fitting a Cranston license plate onto his SUV, Hopkins drove away with the white MG and later had it repainted green with new leather seats at State Auto Body in Providence.

Broccoli claims that Hopkins then harassed him to hand over the car’s title and interfered in his business affairs. Hopkins denies meddling in police matters and suggests that the other classic cars belonging to Broccoli were either illegally parked or a blight to the city.

Ownership Dispute and Lawsuit Timing

Despite Hopkins’ claims, the lawsuit questions his ownership of the MG due to the lack of a bill of sale or any record of payment. Hopkins argues that once he had the keys and drove the car away, there was a verbal agreement to purchase it. He believes that the timing of the lawsuit, just days before the GOP primary and three years after the incident, indicates a political motive behind the accusations.

Note: The MGB pictured in the article is for illustrative purposes only and is not the car involved in the lawsuit.