Alleged Westerly Car Fraudster Arrested On Outstanding Warrant

WESTERLY, RI — A local woman wanted on an at least one outstanding bench warrant was arrested by Westerly police this morning and promptly taken to 4th Division District Court in Wakefield where she pleaded not guilty to "obtaining vehicles with intent to defraud."

Melissa S. Cummings, of 14 Pond St. Apt. 3FL was booked, referred to a public defender, and was released on $2,500 surety bond. She was told to return to court on April 30 for a pretrial conference.

Cummings was arrested back in January on the vehicle fraud charge but failed to show up for a March arraignment, court records show. A warrant was put out for her arrest.

The state law covers people who obtain the use of a vehicle through fraudulent means or trickery. Among other things, it covers the practice of renting, leasing, or borrowing a vehicle and failing to return it.