Chafee To Turn Pleau Over To Federal Custody

After a nearly year-long contest between RI and the federal government, Gov. Lincoln Chafee says he'll hand accused murderer Jason W. Pleau over to federal officials today.

Gov. Lincoln Chafee confirmed this morning that he plans to allow accused murderer Jason Pleau to be turned over to federal court this afternoon — though he added that the state will continue to appeal the case to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Pleau has been the subject of a struggle between federal authorities and Chafee for nearly a year because he could face the death penalty in federal court. He is charged with the murder of David Main during a night deposit robbery at Citizen's Bank in 2010

On Tuesday, the Providence Journal reported a U.S. District Court judge in Boston ordered the state to turn over Pleau for federal arraignment at 3 p.m. this afternoon.

According to a release from US Attorney Peter F. Neronha, U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith issued a writ ordering Mr. Pleau to appear before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge David L. Martin for arraignment today. Pleau remains in state custody until he appears before Martin.

On Thursday, WPRI.com reported that the Supreme Court has refused to delay the surrender of Pleau over to federal custody.

Chafee said he would honor the U.S. District Court ruling.

"We're adhering to the law, but still pursuing the court cases," Chafee said during an interview following a business forum held in Johnston.

The governor reiterated his prior statements that costs for the appeal to the Supreme Court won't be placed on the state.

"The case has been taken on by a Washington firm, pro bono, [with] no cost to the Rhode Island taxpayer," Chafee said.