Judge Frank Caprio dismisses six unpaid parking tickets for Sheila Bentley after courtroom exchange

During a short hearing in the Municipal Court of Providence, Judge Frank Caprio dismissed six unpaid parking‑ticket cases against Sheila Bentley after hearing that Bentley did not drive the vehicle cited and had taken corrective action.

The judge told Bentley she faced "six unpaid parking tickets" tied to violations on Friendship, Orange and Empire streets. Bentley replied, "I was not driving that car. I own the car, but another person was driving it for the past 5 years," and described that person as "a very irresponsible husband" and "soon‑to‑be ex."

Judge Frank Caprio, who said he recognized Bentley from marrying her and recalled that wedding at Metacomet Country Club, framed the exchange with levity as he referenced wedding vows and the burdens of parking violations: "for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in parking tickets and meter ..." Inspector Quinn told the court they were familiar with who was operating the vehicle at the time and recommended resolving the matter without further penalty to Bentley.

Before issuing a final ruling, the judge asked whether Bentley had taken any corrective action; Bentley said someone had removed the car's license plates. Based on Inspector Quinn's recommendation, the acquiescence of Inspector Carrigan and Bentley's corrective steps, the judge announced the matters were dismissed.

The hearing closed with a program sign‑off identifying the venue as the courtroom of Judge Frank Caprio and the segment as part of "Caught in Providence."