Taunton Men Charged for Golfing in Rhode Island During COVID-19 Lockdown

Three Massachusetts men who allegedly played golf in Rhode Island during that state's coronavirus lockdown are now facing charges.

On Wednesday, police in Richmond say they received a call from a local McDonald’s reporting that two cars with Massachusetts plates had been parked there for some time. The caller told police that three men had removed golf clubs from the Massachusetts cars before getting into another car with Rhode Island plates and taking off.

When the golfers returned with their golf clubs at around 3:15 p.m., police were waiting.

Police allege that the three men -- Gregory S. Corbett, 51, of Attleboro; Tyler E. Pietrzyk, 22, of Taunton; and Nye M. Cameron, 22, of Taunton -- had played at the nearby Meadowbrook Golf Course.

The chief said there have been numerous calls about out-of-state residents visiting golf courses in Rhode Island after courses in Massachusetts closed last week. He said public golf courses in Richmond are now requiring golfers to present valid Rhode Island identification.

Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo last month ordered all out-of-state residents to self-quarantine if visiting the state for purposes not related to work.