State v. MacArelli

The instant case raises a novel issue in this jurisdiction: Does an ameliorative statute passed during the pendency of a defendant’s appeal necessitate a reduction in the defendant’s sentence in conformity therewith?

The defendant (Macarelli) and three others were found guilty by a Superior Court jury of conspiring to corrupt various and sundry horse trainers at the Lincoln Downs Racetrack. The trial justice imposed a 5-year sentence upon Macarelli under authority -of G.L. 1956 (1969 Reenactment) §11-1-1 but stayed its execution pending appeal. We affirmed his conviction. Thereafter, Macarelli…