An asbestos-removal contractor who did work for Rhode Island public agencies has pleaded guilty to extorting kickbacks from his workers.

The leaders of an informal coalition gather around a long table in an architectural office in Providence's Jewelry District, weighing how to change the City Council to match a changed city.

An asbestos-removal contractor who did work for public agencies in Providence Cranston, North Providence and South Kingstown, yesterday pleaded guilty to extorting kickbacks from his employees.