PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A former police chief who stole from a stripper has been released early from his six-month prison sentence.

A judge Friday reduced the sentence for North Providence Police Chief John Whiting to 58 days to serve, over prosecutors’ objections. Whiting, who began his sentence in June, was released immediately.

Whiting stole $714 from an exotic dancer and tried to persuade a Pawtucket police officer to take the money in a cover-up attempt.

Although state sentencing benchmarks don’t recommend prison for first-time felony larceny, Judge Daniel Procaccini said he wanted to make an example of Whiting.

Earlier this week, Procaccini ordered Whiting released early to home confinement, but that was put on hold after prisons officials questioned whether it was allowed.


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