R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-18-5: Misrepresentation of circulation of periodical.

Every proprietor or publisher of a newspaper or periodical, or any agent or employee of the proprietor or publisher, who shall knowingly misrepresent the circulation of the newspaper or periodical for the purpose of securing advertising or other patronage, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000).