R.I. Democratic Party Chair Resigns After Husband Indicted in Fraud Scheme

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Liz Beretta-Perik resigned as chair of the Rhode Island Democratic Party after her husband, Michael Perik, was indicted on felony charges involving a $20 million fraud scheme tied to federal and state education funds. Her resignation comes amid bipartisan calls and just weeks before the November election, intensifying scrutiny on the party during early voting.

Liz Beretta-Perik resigned Tuesday as chair of the Rhode Island Democratic Party following the indictment of her husband, Michael Perik, on charges related to an alleged $20 million fraud scheme involving federal and state education funds. The announcement was made in a brief letter sent to the party’s executive committee, effective immediately.

Michael Perik, a resident of Jamestown, Rhode Island, faces multiple felony charges accusing him and two co-defendants of diverting Pell grants and other subsidies from Eastern Gateway Community College, a now-closed institution in Steubenville, Ohio. Prosecutors allege that between 2017 and 2022, Perik controlled four for-profit companies that improperly influenced college operations—including enrollment and financial aid decisions—resulting in inflated financial aid payments without proper verification. This alleged scheme is linked to the college’s closure in September 2025, an institution that had served families across the upper Ohio Valley region.

The case has attracted bipartisan attention, with both Helena Buonanno Foulkes and Aaron Guckian, the Democratic and Republican nominees for Rhode Island governor, respectively, publicly calling for Beretta-Perik’s resignation. The indictment and ensuing resignation come two weeks before the state’s November 3 general election, during a period when early voting is already underway.

While Beretta-Perik has not been charged with any wrongdoing, her role as party chair drew scrutiny amid the controversy. She was elected to the position in 2023, becoming the first woman to lead the Rhode Island Democratic Party and serving as a prominent fundraiser for the party. Although she did not respond to requests for comment, House Speaker Christopher R. Blazejewski and Senate President Valarie A. Lawson acknowledged her leadership and professionalism over the past four years in statements released following her resignation.

Perik’s attorney has denied the accusations, describing the charges as “pure political payback.” The investigation remains ongoing, and the implications of the case continue to reverberate throughout Rhode Island’s political landscape.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.