By Associated Press - Monday, December 10, 2018

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - A newly elected Rhode Island state representative has resigned after facing mounting criticism over his misleading local officials about a nonexistent campaign mailer.

The Providence Journal reports that a resignation letter from Democratic Rep.-elect Laufton Ascencao was delivered to the secretary of state’s office Monday.

The 25-year-old Ascencao said last week that he wouldn’t take his seat. He says he has realized his “personal priorities are no longer what they should be.”

He was accused of providing a fake invoice to prove he sent a political mailer that was never sent.

He acknowledged the deception after the Warren Town Democratic Committee filed a complaint with state elections officials.

A special election will be held to fill the seat for District 68, which includes parts of Bristol and Warren.

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