District of Rhode Island
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
W. Warwick Man Sentenced for Attempting to Entice a MinorRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A West Warwick man who admitted to attempting to entice a minor boy he communicated with online to engage in illicit sexual activity was sentenced today to 10 years in federal prison.
Dylan J. Harris, 27, admitted that in January 2017, he engaged in a series of sexually explicit online communications with an individual he believed to be a 14-year-old boy. At Harris’ request, he arranged to meet the boy in a secluded Warwick park and to engage in sexual intercourse.
The person Harris thought to be a 14-year-old boy was, in fact, a member of the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
On January 5, 2017, at Harris’ request, Harris and the supposed 14-year-old agreed to meet that afternoon. As Harris arrived at the pre-arranged location, police activated their cruiser lights and sirens in an attempt to initiate a motor vehicle stop. However, Harris took off and took several evasive actions while driving in the park in an attempt to avoid being stopped. At one point, while traveling at a high rate of speed, Harris turned his vehicle in the direction of a police detective, narrowly missing him and causing the detective to leap out of the way. Harris eventually lost control of his vehicle and came to a stop when he rolled onto a grass embankment.
Harris pled guilty on June 28, 2019, to attempted inducement of a minor to engage in illicit sexual activity. Harris was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., to 120 months in federal prison to be followed by lifetime supervised release.
Harris’ sentence is announced by United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police Colonel James M. Manni, and Homeland Security Investigations Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Molina.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John P. McAdams.
The matter was investigated by the Rhode Island State Police ICAC Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations.
United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman acknowledges and thanks the Barrington Police Department for their assistance in the investigation of this case.
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Five Charged in Online Romance Scams Targeting SeniorsRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – Two individuals from Houston and three from the Atlanta area have been charged in U.S. District Court in Providence, R.I., with allegedly participating in online romance scams that bilked more than two dozen people, most of them elderly, out of more than two million dollars.
It is alleged in Court documents that beginning in May 2015, victims were contacted by scammers via online dating sites such as Plenty of Fish, Christian Mingle, and Our Time, and through social media platforms such as Words with Friends, often times feigning romantic intentions. The perpetrators of the scams gained the trust of their victims through any number of fraudulent representations, eventually convincing them to send money to bank accounts controlled by members of the conspiracy.
To date, 28 individuals in more than a dozen states have been identified as falling victim to the scams allegedly employed by the five individuals named in the charged conspiracy.
United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman commented, “It is unconscionable to prey on seniors. Scammers will confuse, lie to, and steal from their victims with total disregard for the financial and emotional ruins they leave behind. Elder abuse is a serious crime that impacts 10% of elder Americans each year. The Department of Justice and federal, state, and local law enforcement have made it a priority to root out such scammers and hold them accountable.”
“When scammers pose online as legitimate romantic partners only to manipulate victims into giving away their life savings, it creates devastating financial impacts to victims, especially our older Americans,” said Inspector in Charge Joseph W. Cronin of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division. “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is committed to protecting our citizens and working hard to seek prosecution of scammers who take advantage of our elders.”
According to court documents, among the victims is a 76-year-old widow from Rhode Island who refinanced her home, sold property she owned in Massachusetts, and withdrew funds from bank accounts, over time sending more than $660,000 to bank accounts allegedly controlled by members of the conspiracy. The woman told investigators she reluctantly made the transfers at the direction of “General Mathew Weyer,” who claimed to be stationed with the U.S. Army in Afghanistan, and whom she met online on Words with Friends.
An investigation by the United States Attorney’s Office and United States Postal Inspection Service determined that “General Mathew Weyer” is a fictitious person and name allegedly used by members of the conspiracy when communicating with the victim.
On Monday, Rhode Island U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Lincoln D. Almond ordered the alleged leader of the conspiracy, Wisdom Onyobeno, 39, of Sandy Springs, GA, to remain in federal custody and be returned to Rhode Island. Onyobeno was arrested at his Georgia home on November 19, 2019, on a criminal complaint filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Rhode charging him with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud; conspiracy to commit money laundering; mail fraud; and wire fraud.
Also charged by way of criminal complaints with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud; conspiracy to commit money laundering; mail fraud; and wire fraud are Dominique Golden 28, and Sadae Mills, 24, of Houston, Breauna Williams, 25, of Atlanta, and Syretta Scherer, of Sandy Springs, GA.
Mills and Golden were charged by way of an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Providence on October 3, 2019, with conspiracy to commit mail fraud, nine counts of mail fraud, and six counts of wire fraud. They were arraigned in U.S. District Court in Providence on October 30, 2019, and released on bond.
Syretta Scherer was arrested on November 19, 2019, and made an initial appearance in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. She was released on bond.
An arrest warrant has been issued for Breauna Williams.
An information and indictment are merely accusations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise M. Barton, Elder Justice Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island.
Combatting elder abuse and financial fraud targeted at seniors is a key priority of the Department of Justice. If you are a victim or know a victim of elder fraud, you can call 1-877-FTC-HELP or go to ftc.gov/complaint. For downloadable Elder Abuse Prevention resources and for information about community outreach programs in Rhode Island, visit the United States Attorney’s Office’s Elder Justice Initiative web page at https://www.justice.gov/usao-ri/elder-justice
United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and Joseph W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, thank the FBI, U.S. Department of Labor, and U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration in Atlanta for their assistance related to this investigation.
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Cranston Man Admits to Possessing, Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Cranston man who, two days after being arrested on domestic violence charges in May 2018, was discovered to be in possession of images of child pornography pleaded guilty in federal court on Friday to distributing and possessing child pornography.
According to information presented to the Court, Robert E. Soares, 39, was arrested by Cranston Police on May 28, 2018, on state domestic violence charges. Soares was arrested after his girlfriend called and reported to police that she and another woman had been forced by Soares into a bedroom in her home, and that Soares was prohibiting them from leaving the room and the residence. The woman told police she feared for her safety.
According to information presented to the Court, two days after the alleged domestic violence incident, the alleged victim called police to report that she received a call from an individual who told her that Soares had previously sent him “disgusting” images of child pornography. After further investigation, Cranston Police obtained a court-authorized search warrant to search Soares’ cell phone.
A forensic review of Soares’ cellphone resulted in the discovery of more than two-dozen images of child erotica and child pornography, a series of text messages sent and received by Soares discussing photographs depicting child pornography, and a browser history showing Internet searches and sites viewed that are associated with the viewing and the downloading of images and videos of child pornography.
Appearing November 22, 2018, before U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith, Soares pleaded guilty to distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Cranston Police Chief Colonel Michael J. Winquist, and Homeland Security Investigations Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Molina.
Soares is scheduled to be sentenced on March 3, 2020.
Distribution of child pornography is punishable by statutory penalties of a minimum of 5 years up to 20 years in federal prison, to be followed by 5 years to lifetime supervised release; a fine of up to $250,000; and a $5,000 special assessment as required by the Justice for Victims Trafficking Act in child sexual exploitation cases where the Court makes a finding that the defendant is not indigent.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Denise M. Barton.
The matter was investigated by the Cranston Police Department, with the assistance of members of Homeland Security Investigations Task Force and Warwick Police Department.
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Crack Cocaine Dealer Sentenced to 48 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Pawtucket man who was the focus of a four-month investigation by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, the Rhode Island State Police, and the Pawtucket Police Department into his drug trafficking activities was sentenced today to 48 months in federal prison.
Samuel Hernandez, 24, was arrested on June 11, 2019, when, for the sixth time since February 25, 2019, while under law enforcement surveillance, he was preparing to deliver between 1.1 grams and 2.97 grams of crack cocaine for between $100 and $220.
The crack cocaine was seized by a member of law enforcement following each delivery.
According to information presented to the Court, Hernandez was arrested when he arrived at a pre-determined location while under law enforcement surveillance to deliver crack cocaine in exchange for cash. In addition to carrying 2.5 grams of crack cocaine packaged for sale, Hernandez was found to be carrying a package containing 26.3 grams of crack cocaine.
A court-authorized search of his home resulted in the seizure of $9,290 in cash and two digital scales.
Hernandez pleaded guilty on August 22, 2019, to possession with intent to deliver cocaine base.
At sentencing today, U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith sentenced Hernandez to 48 months of incarceration to be followed by 3 years supervised release and the forfeiture of the $9,290 seized from Hernandez’s residence, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police Colonel James M. Manni, and Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gerard B. Sullivan.
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Providence Man Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison in Drug Trafficking, Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Providence man arrested by Newport Police members of the DEA Drug Task Force in August 2018 as he arrived at a pre-determined location in Newport to deliver heroin he arranged to sell to an undercover Newport Police Department detective was sentenced today to 60 months in federal prison for trafficking heroin, fentanyl, cocaine and crack cocaine, and for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Franklin Valenzuela, 24, was arrested on August 31, 2018, as he arrived to deliver drugs for the third time in four days to the undercover Newport Police detective. The two previous deliveries tested positive for a mixture of heroin and fentanyl.
During the course of the investigation it was learned that Cranston Police Department detectives were also investigating Valenzuela’s drug trafficking activities.
At the time of his arrest, as he exited his vehicle, several small bags of heroin fell from Valenzuela’s lap. He was also found to be in possession of $1,393 in cash. According to court documents, Valenzuela consented to a search of his Providence residence from which law enforcement seized approximately 53 grams of a mixture of heroin and fentanyl, 90 grams of fentanyl, 70 grams of cocaine, 16 grams of crack cocaine, 412 grams of marijuana, a partly disassembled firearm, and $7,807 in cash.
An additional 22 grams of crack cocaine and 6 grams of fentanyl were found inside a secret compartment in Valenzuela’s vehicle.
On June 25, 2019, Valenzuela pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl; distribution of cocaine and fentanyl; and felon in possession of a firearm.
At sentencing today, U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith sentenced Valenzuela to 60 months in federal prison to be followed by 4 years supervised release.
Valenzuela’s sentence is announced by United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s New England Field Division Brian D. Boyle, Newport Police Chief Gary T. Silva, and Cranston Police Chief Colonel Michael J. Winquist.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald R. Gendron.
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Providence Woman Facing Federal Prison and Deportation After Admitting to Trafficking More Than 3 Kilos of Fentanyl and HeroinRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Providence woman arrested in November 2018 when federal agents seized more than three kilograms of fentanyl and heroin during a court-authorized search of her home is facing a federal prison sentence and deportation after pleading guilty in federal court today to possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.
Marleni Difo, 27, a Dominican national, was arrested on November 2, 2018, when members of the DEA Drug Task Force executed a federally authorized warrant to search her single-family residence and seized plastic bags containing 3.2 kilograms of a mixture of fentanyl and heroin and 403 grams of a mixture containing both heroin and carfentanil.
Also seized were three digital scales and numerous other items used in the packaging and distribution of narcotics, including sealed bottles of lactose powder, a white powder used as a cutting agent for narcotics, including fentanyl and cocaine.
Difo’s guilty plea before U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy is announced by United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.
Difo is scheduled to be sentenced on February 21, 2020.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Milind M. Shah and Paul F. Daly, Jr.
United States Attorney Aaron Weisman and DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle thank the Providence Police Department for their assistance in the investigation of this matter.
The Rhode Island DEA Drug Task Force is comprised of agents and law enforcement officers from the DEA, ATF, IRS, Homeland Security Investigations, Rhode Island State Police and Cranston, East Providence, Pawtucket, Providence, Newport, South Kingstown, Warwick, West Warwick and Woonsocket Police Departments.
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Sex Offender Admits to Failing to Register in Rhode IslandRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Milton Ordenana, 49, of Warwick, pleaded guilty in federal court in Providence on Tuesday to violating the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). Ordenana failed to register as a sex offender in Rhode Island, having moved more than five months ago to Warwick from the City of New York, where he is a convicted and registered sex offender.
SORNA requires that a registered sex offender notify law enforcement of a change of address.
Ordenana’s guilty plea to failure to register as a sex offender is announced by United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, United States Marshal Wing Chau, and Warwick Police Chief Colonel Rick Rathbun.
According to information presented to the court, on June 5, 2019, Ordenana was arrested by the Warwick Police Department for reckless driving. During the standard process of conducting a criminal background check, Warwick Police determined that Ordenana was a registered sex offender in New York, having been convicted and sentenced to 42 months in state prison for first degree sexual assault. Warwick Police and the United States Marshals Service determined that Ordenana, who moved with his family to Warwick in or about June 1, 2019, failed to register in Warwick as a sex offender, as required by SORNA.
Ordenana is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., on February 13, 2019.
Failure to register as a sex offender is punishable by statutory penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment, 3 years supervised release, and a fine of $250.000.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gerard B. Sullivan.
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N.Y. Man Sentenced in Rhode Island Based Bank Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A New York man who admitted to participating in a conspiracy to defraud banks while working at the direction of the ring-leader of a multi-state fraud ring based in Rhode Island was sentenced on Tuesday to 36 months in federal prison.
Angel L. Morales, 52, of New York, N.Y, previously admitted to the Court that he and others used stolen personal identifying information to open bank accounts as part of a scheme to obtain fraudulent car loans. Once funds from the loans were obtained, Morales deposited the funds into bank accounts he and others opened, quickly withdrawing the money before the bank issuing the loans discovered the fraudulent nature of the transactions.
Morales pleaded guilty on September 3, 2019, to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, and three counts of bank fraud. He was sentenced on Tuesday to 36 months in federal prison to be followed by 3 years supervised release. Morales was also ordered to pay $116,000 restitution to the banks he defrauded.
Morales’ sentence, imposed by U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., is announced by United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman; Stephen Marks, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service; and Scott E. Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Office of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General/Office of Investigations.
Octavio Andres Difo-Castro, 28, of Brooklyn, New York, who previously admitted to the Court that he employed and directed several individuals, including Morales, and provided them with the stolen personal identifying information used in the fraud scheme, pleaded guilty on September 19, 2019, to one count each of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to access device fraud, two counts of aggravated identity theft, and nineteen counts of wire fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on January 13, 2020.
The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William J. Ferland, with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Cunha.
The investigations were led by the U.S. Secret Service, with the assistance of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General/Office of Investigations.
United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman acknowledges and thanks the United States Postal Inspection Service and the East Providence, Seekonk and Mansfield Police Departments for their assistance in the investigation.
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Thirteen Charged, Eight Search Warrants Executed, More Than A Thousand Grams of Fentanyl and Three Firearms Seized in Project Safe Neighborhoods InvestigationRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – Thirteen individuals have been charged, eleven of which are in custody, and eight federal court-authorized search warrants were executed today in a series of FBI Safe Streets Task Force led pre-dawn law enforcement actions, culminating a six-month Project Safe Neighborhoods Investigation into the trafficking of significant quantities of fentanyl and other drugs in Providence.
Today, law enforcement agents and officers seized more than 500 grams of fentanyl and two firearms during the pre-dawn raids. Prior to today, the Safe Street Task Force investigation resulted in the seizure of more than 600 grams of fentanyl, 610 fentanyl pills, 67 grams of crack cocaine, 102 grams of cocaine, and a firearm.
According to court documents, all but one of the individuals charged today have had previous law enforcement contact, many convicted on multiple occasions in Rhode Island state court on drug trafficking and other violent crime charges. Several of the defendants are currently serving suspended or probationary sentences.
“The combination of deadly drugs and illegal firearms has destroyed too many lives, ruined too many families, and rendered once safe neighborhoods dangerous places to live and raise families,” commented United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman. “This significant operation demonstrates that our federal law enforcement agencies, and their critical state and local partners, will act aggressively to protect our neighborhoods from being inundated with deadly illegal drugs like cocaine and heroin, and especially fentanyl, which has already claimed the lives of well over a thousand Rhode Islanders.”
“Dealing deadly drugs was a family affair, and for their suppliers a very dangerous one, as illustrated by the firearms we seized throughout the course of investigation. And if that’s not troubling enough, we allege at least two of these drug dealers were playing Russian roulette with people’s lives, pushing pills that were disguised as prescription painkillers, when they were really fentanyl,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “The FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force is laser-focused on stopping individuals like those we arrested today from peddling their poisons and polluting our neighborhoods with illegal firearms.”
“Opioid abuse is at epidemic levels in New England,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Illegal drug distribution ravages the very foundations of our families and communities here in Rhode Island. Let these arrests serve as an example to those who distribute poisons like fentanyl, crack-cocaine and cocaine, that DEA will aggressively pursue and hold you accountable. This investigation demonstrates the strength and continued commitment of our local, state and federal law enforcement partners.”
According to court documents and information presented to the Court, this investigation, dubbed Operation Bloodline,” began in June of 2019, when the members of the FBI Safe Streets Task Force developed information regarding the alleged drug trafficking activities of Hector Rivera, 40, of Central Falls. On June 19, 2019, Rivera allegedly delivered 50 grams of fentanyl while being surveilled by members of the Safe Street Task Force. At that same meeting, it is alleged that the individual purchasing the fentanyl from Rivera was introduced to Rafael Ferrer, 39, of Providence. It is alleged that within the next several weeks two additional deliveries of fentanyl were delivered jointly by Ferrer and Rivera. Each delivery of fentanyl was immediately seized by law enforcement.
Over the next several months, as the investigation continued, it was determined by law enforcement that a long list of individuals were allegedly associated with Ferrer, including members of his family. Law enforcement determined that drugs were allegedly being stored and prepared for delivery by members of the conspiracy in at least two Providence residences.
Transactions surveilled by law enforcement took place at homes, in the streets, and in parking lots of businesses in Providence. Little effort was made to conceal the transactions.
Project Safe Neighborhoods is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stacey P. Veroni and Gerard B Sullivan.
United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman acknowledges and thanks the many law enforcement agencies that provided manpower and resources to this investigation, including the many law enforcement member agencies of the FBI’s Safe Street Violent Gang Task Force and the DEA’s Rhode Island Drug Task Force.
The FBI’s Safe Streets Violent Gang Task Force consists of agents and law enforcement officers from the FBI, the Rhode Island State Police, the Providence, Cranston, Woonsocket, Pawtucket, and Central Falls Police Departments, R.I. Department of Corrections, and the Rhode Island National Guard.
The Rhode Island DEA Drug Task Force is comprised of law enforcement personnel from DEA, Rhode Island State Police, and the East Providence, Central Falls, Coventry, Cranston, Newport, North Kingstown, Pawtucket, Providence, South Kingstown, Warwick, West Warwick and Woonsocket Police Departments.
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Providence Man Admits to Trafficking Kilos of Fentanyl, Heroin and CocaineRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Providence man is awaiting sentencing in federal court after admitting to the court he trafficked more than eight kilograms of fentanyl, more than two kilograms of cocaine and nearly two kilograms of heroin.
Ronny B. Nova, a/k/a Benancio, 33, of Providence, arrested by members of the Rhode Island DEA Drug Task Force on August 23, 2017, appeared on Thursday before U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., and pleaded guilty as charged by way of federal indictment with possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, conspiracy with intent to distribute fentanyl, and attempt to distribute fentanyl, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England Field Division Brian D. Boyle.
According to court documents and information presented to the court, on November 17, 2015, an investigation into Nova’s drug trafficking activities included the purchase of 2.5 grams of heroin from Nova while under the surveillance of law enforcement. Three days later, members of the DEA Drug Task Force executed a federal court-authorized search of a residence tied to Nova, and seized 2,269.3 grams of cocaine, 1,954.1 grams of heroin, and 348.4 grams of fentanyl.
According to court documents and information presented to the court, in late August 2017, Missouri State Police executed a traffic stop of a rental truck, inside of which they discovered a box containing six kilograms of fentanyl. The driver was arrested. The fentanyl and the truck were seized. When interviewed by Missouri State Police, the driver told troopers that he left Baldwin Park, California, on August 20, 2017, with the fentanyl, with instructions to bring the truck to a pre-determined location in Warwick, Rhode Island.
On August 23, 2017, an undercover law enforcement officer, posing as the truck driver arrested in Missouri, drove a similar rental truck to the same location the truck carrying the fentanyl was to have been driven to. Law enforcement established surveillance in the area of the truck and watched as a vehicle entered the area and the driver, Ronny Nova, surveilled the truck then drove away. Shortly after, the undercover officer posing as the person instructed to drive the truck containing the fentanyl to Warwick, was directed to a different parking lot nearby. When the truck arrived at the second location, the same vehicle arrived and the driver, Ronny Nova, exited the vehicle and began to approach the truck. As he did so, law enforcement arrested Nova. Nova was found to be carrying $12,892 in cash, close to the amount he was to have paid the driver for the delivery of the fentanyl.
Nova is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Court John J. McConnell, Jr., on January 30, 2020.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul F. Daly and William J. Ferland.
The Rhode Island DEA Drug Task Force is comprised of law enforcement personnel from DEA, Rhode Island State Police, and the East Providence, Central Falls, Coventry, Cranston, Newport, North Kingstown, Pawtucket, Providence, South Kingstown, Warwick, West Warwick and Woonsocket Police Departments.
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Four Charged in Ongoing Meth Trafficking InvestigationRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – An ongoing federal, state, and local law enforcement Project Safe Neighborhoods investigation into the trafficking of crystal methamphetamine (meth) in Rhode Island has to date resulted in the arrest of four individuals, and the seizure of more than 250 grams of crystal meth and two firearms, according to documents unsealed in U.S. District Court today, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police Colonel James M. Manni, and Warwick Police Chief Colonel Rick Rathbun.
The FBI Safe Streets Gang Task Force, the Rhode Island State Police High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, and the Warwick Police Department joint investigation determined that crystal meth was routinely shipped from out-of-state to Providence, and was allegedly being stored and distributed from residences and a storage unit in Providence and from a Warwick motel.
According to the court documents, it is alleged that beginning in at least August 2019, Sean M. Francis, 31, of Providence, began receiving a steady flow of overnight packages containing crystal meth shipped from out-of-state. At least 11 such packages have been identified by law enforcement. It is alleged that Francis distributed the crystal meth to others.
According to court documents, it is alleged that on several occasions Steven Robinson, 47, and Alexa Samoiloff, 50, of Providence, sold crystal meth to others, including to Jacob Abbruzzese, 46, of Cranston. It is alleged in court documents that Abbruzzese sold crystal meth to others.
During the course of the investigation, at least nine alleged drug transactions of between 8 grams and 49.4 grams for between $200 and $1,400 were monitored by law enforcement. The crystal meth was immediately seized by law enforcement following each monitored transaction.
On October 18, 2019, court-authorized searches of Robinson and Samoiloff’s Providence residence and a Providence storage unit rented by Abbruzzese were conducted. Law enforcement seized 41.4 grams of crystal meth, 109 rounds of 9mm ammunition, numerous edged weapons, a crossbow, and items used in the packaging and distribution of crystal meth.
Robinson, Samoiloff, and Abbruzzese were arrested on October 18 on federal criminal complaints charging each with conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine. They were ordered detained in federal custody following initial appearances in U.S. District Court.
On November 7, 2019, law enforcement executed a court-authorized search of Francis’ residence and seized 66.3 grams of crystal meth, a black Taurus handgun accompanied by 14 rounds of .357 ammunition and a speed loader, a colt “Official Police” revolver, a pellet handgun, numerous cellphones, and items used in the packaging and distribution of crystal meth.
Francis was arrested on November 7 and ordered detained in federal custody following an initial appearance in U.S. District Court on Friday on a criminal complaint charging him with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine D. Lowell and Sandra R. Hebert.
United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Joseph R. Bonavolonta, and Warwick Police Chief Colonel Rick Rathbun thank the Newport and Providence Police Departments for their assistance in the investigation.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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AG Barr Announces Launch of Project Guardian - A Nationwide Strategic Plan to Reduce Gun ViolenceRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE - Today, Attorney General William P. Barr announced the launch of Project Guardian, a new initiative designed to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws across the country. Specifically, Project Guardian focuses on investigating, prosecuting, and preventing gun crimes.
Reducing gun violence and enforcing federal firearms laws have always been among the Department’s highest priorities. In order to develop a new and robust effort to promote and ensure public safety, the Department reviewed and adapted some of the successes of past strategies to curb gun violence. Project Guardian draws on the Department’s earlier achievements, such as the “Triggerlock” program, and it serves as a complementary effort to the success of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). In addition, the initiative emphasizes the importance of using all modern technologies available to law enforcement to promote gun crime intelligence.
“Gun crime remains a pervasive problem in too many communities across America. Today, the Department of Justice is redoubling its commitment to tackling this issue through the launch of Project Guardian,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “Building on the success of past programs like Triggerlock, Project Guardian will strengthen our efforts to reduce gun violence by allowing the federal government and our state and local partners to better target offenders who use guns in crimes and those who try to buy guns illegally.”
United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman added, “The United States Attorney’s Office, ATF, and the Rhode Island ATF Task Force are committed to working collectively with state and local law enforcement and state prosecutors to target gun violence by keeping firearms out of the hands of individuals who should not have access to them, whether it be because of a criminal record, a propensity for violence, or a mental-health concern.”
“ATF has a long history of strong partnerships in the law enforcement community,” said Acting Director Regina Lombardo. “Make no mistake, the women and men of ATF remain steadfast to our core mission of getting crime guns off of our streets. ATF and U.S. Attorneys nationwide will leverage these partnerships even further through enhanced community outreach initiatives and coordination with local, state, and tribal law enforcement and prosecutors to cut the pipeline of crime guns from those violent individuals who seek to terrorize our communities. Project Guardian will enhance ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence, to include identifying, investigating and prosecuting those involved in the straw purchases of firearms, lying on federal firearms transaction forms, and those subject to the mental health prohibition of possessing firearms.”
Project Guardian’s implementation is based on five principles:
- Coordinated Prosecution. Federal prosecutors and law enforcement will coordinate with state, local, and tribal law enforcement and prosecutors to consider potential federal prosecution for new cases involving a defendant who: a) was arrested in possession of a firearm; b) is believed to have used a firearm in committing a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime prosecutable in federal court; or c) is suspected of actively committing violent crime(s) in the community on behalf of a criminal organization.
- Enforcing the Background Check System. United States Attorneys, in consultation with the Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in their district, will create new, or review existing, guidelines for intake and prosecution of federal cases involving false statements (including lie-and-try, lie-and-buy, and straw purchasers) made during the acquisition or attempted acquisition of firearms from Federal Firearms Licensees.
Particular emphasis is placed on individuals convicted of violent felonies or misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence, individuals subject to protective orders, and individuals who are fugitives where the underlying offense is a felony or misdemeanor crime of domestic violence; individuals suspected of involvement in criminal organizations or of providing firearms to criminal organizations; and individuals involved in repeat denials.
- Improved Information Sharing. On a regular basis, and as often as practicable given current technical limitations, ATF will provide to state law enforcement fusion centers a report listing individuals for whom the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) has issued denials, including the basis for the denial, so that state and local law enforcement can take appropriate steps under their laws.
- Coordinated Response to Mental Health Denials. Each United States Attorney will ensure that whenever there is federal case information regarding individuals who are prohibited from possessing a firearm under the mental health prohibition, such information continues to be entered timely and accurately into the United States Attorneys’ Offices’ case-management system for prompt submission to NICS. ATF should engage in additional outreach to state and local law enforcement on how to use this denial information to better assure public safety.
Additionally, United States Attorneys will consult with relevant district stakeholders to assess feasibility of adopting disruption of early engagement programs to address mental-health-prohibited individuals who attempt to acquire a firearm. United States Attorneys should consider, when appropriate, recommending court-ordered mental health treatment for any sentences issued to individuals prohibited based on mental health.
- Crime Gun Intelligence Coordination. Federal, state, local, and tribal prosecutors and law enforcement will work together to ensure effective use of the ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence Centers (CGICs), and all related resources, to maximize the use of modern intelligence tools and technology. These tools can greatly enhance the speed and effectiveness in identifying trigger-pullers and finding their guns, but the success depends in large part on state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners sharing ballistic evidence and firearm recovery data with the ATF.
Federal law enforcement represents only about 15% of all law enforcement resources nationwide. Therefore, partnerships with state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the communities they serve are critical to addressing gun crime. The Department recognizes that sharing information with our state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners at every level will enhance public safety, and provide a greater depth of resources available to address gun crime on a national level.
For more information on Project Guardian, see the Attorney General’s memorandum at: https://www.justice.gov/ag/project-guardian-memo-2019/download.
Cranston Admits to Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Cranston man today admitted in federal court to possessing nearly 1,500 videos and more than 240 images of child pornography.
Justin Mierisch, formerly of Smithfield, was arrested in September 2018, after an investigation by the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force determined that since at least April 28, 2015, and continuing through September 17, 2018, Mierisch possessed hundreds of images and more than 1,500 videos of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
According to court documents and information presented to the Court, the ICAC investigation determined that Mierisch possessed images of child pornography while living in Smithfield and while living at his present residence in Cranston.
On September 17, 2018, members of the ICAC Task Force executed a court-authorized search of Mierisch’s Cranston residence and seized Mierisch’s electronic storage devices. A forensic audit of Mierisch’s property revealed 1,477 videos and 242 images of child pornography.
Appearing today before U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., Mierisch pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Rhode Island State Police Superintendent Colonel James M. Manni, and Homeland Security Investigations Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Molina.
Mierisch is scheduled to be sentenced on February 4, 2020.
This Project Safe Childhood case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise M. Barton.
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Providence Man Sentenced in Project Safe Neighborhoods Guns and Drugs InvestigationRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Providence man who admitted selling fentanyl and firearms on multiple occasions was sentenced today to more than three years in federal prison.
Jean Sajous, 28, admitted to the Court in July that between May 24, 2018, and June 20, 2018, he made multiple sales of fentanyl. He also admitted to selling two firearms. The transactions took place at a time when members of the FBI Safe Street Task Force were conducting a Project Safe Neighborhoods investigation into Sajous’ criminal activity.
At the time of his guilty plea, Sajous admitted to the Court that he sold an individual a total of 5.34 grams of fentanyl, a .25 caliber pistol, and a 9mm pistol. All of the transactions were monitored by members of the Safe Streets Task Force. Agents seized the fentanyl and the firearms immediately following each transaction.
Sajous was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith to 37 months in federal prison to be followed by 3 years supervised release, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Joseph R. Bonavolonta.
Sajous pleaded guilty on July 8, 2019, to two counts of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of fentanyl, one count of unlicensed firearms dealing, and two counts of felon in possession of a firearm.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Helen H. Lee and Terrence P. Donnelly.
Project Safe Neighborhoods is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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Two Indicted in Pawtucket Police Fentanyl Trafficking InvestigationRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Pawtucket couple allegedly found to be in possession of significant quantities of fentanyl, cash, and drug packaging materials were indicted by a federal grand jury today on drug trafficking charges, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves.
Adrian Montalvo, 32, and Erin Lawrence, 34, were arrested by members of the Pawtucket Police Narcotics Division on October 1, 2019, simultaneous to the execution of a court-authorized search of their residence by Pawtucket Police Detectives. The search resulted in the seizure of 2,118.35 grams of fentanyl contained in more than five-dozen plastic baggies.
Additionally, law enforcement seized a loaded Glock 26 handgun, 62 individual bags containing fentanyl, $79,106 in cash - $73,000 of which was located in a locked safe - and various items used in the packaging and sale of illegal narcotic drugs.
The grand jury today returned an indictment charging Adrian Montalvo with conspiracy to possess with intent to deliver 400 grams or more of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The grand jury indicted Lawrence on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to deliver 400 grams or more of fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.
Conspiracy to possess with intent to deliver 400 grams or more of fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl are each punishable by statutory penalties of a minimum mandatory 10 years up to life in federal prison and at least 5 years supervised release. Possession of a firearm in furtherance pf a drug trafficking crime is punishable by a mandatory minimum 5 years up to life imprisonment consecutive to any other sentences imposed in this matter.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ronald R. Gendron.
United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman thanks the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for their assistance to the Pawtucket Police Department in the investigation of this matter. U.S. Attorney Weisman also thanks the DEA for their support during the execution of the court-authorized search of the defendants’ residence.
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Dominican National Indicted on Fentanyl Trafficking, ID Theft, Heath Care Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Dominican national living in Providence, who allegedly delivered fentanyl on at least four occasions and who allegedly adopted a stolen identity and used it to gain a Rhode Island driver’s license and Medicaid benefits, was indicted by a federal grand jury today on charges of trafficking fentanyl, aggravated identity theft, misusing a Social Security number, and health care fraud.
Joaquin Soto-Medina, aka P.C.R., 47, was arrested by members of the Woonsocket Police Department on October 7, 2019, moments after he exited a residence in Woonsocket that a court-authorized search by Woonsocket Police Detectives allegedly revealed was a drug stash house. It is alleged that at the time of his arrest Soto-Medina was found to be carrying 18 plastic baggies containing fentanyl.
Prior to the search of the residence, it is alleged that on four occasions between August 28, 2019, and September 17, 2019, Soto-Medina delivered baggies containing one gram of fentanyl to another person.
According to court documents and information presented to the Court, a subsequent investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General determined that in 2014, Soto-Medina allegedly used the stolen identity of an individual living in Puerto Rico, including that person’s Social Security number, to obtain a Rhode Island driver’s license. In 2016, he allegedly used the stolen identification when filing an application for and being approved to receive Medicaid health benefits.
A federal grand jury today charged Joaquin Soto-Medina with two counts of false representation of a Social Security number, and one count each of aggravated identity theft, health care fraud, conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and aiding and abetting, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Woonsocket Police Chief Thomas Oates, Homeland Security Investigations Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Molina, and Phillip Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General.
Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and aiding and abetting each are punishable by statutory penalties of a minimum mandatory 10 years up to life in federal prison and 5 years supervised release. Health care fraud is punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment and 3 years supervised release. False representation of a Social Security number is punishable by 5 years imprisonment and 3 years supervised release. Aggravated identity theft is punishable by 2 years imprisonment, consecutive to any other sentence imposed in this matter.
According to court documents, in 2001, Soto-Medina, a Dominican national, was found to be in the United States illegally. After being administratively charged with entering the United States without inspection, he voluntarily returned to the Dominican Republic.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dulce Donovan.
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Pawtucket Man Sentenced in International Scam Targeting the ElderlyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A Rhode Island man who admitted to participating in a Jamaica-based telemarketing scam that primarily targeted and victimized elderly U.S. citizens was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Providence to 30 months in federal prison.
Shawn Whitfield, 49, of Pawtucket, R.I., admitted to receiving more than $109,000 in upfront payments from victims of the scam who were led to believe they had won cash or prizes in a lottery or sweepstakes. Some victims were told they had won as much as $82 million. Others were told they were in line to receive $5,000 a week for life. Mercedes Benz vehicles were among the valuable prizes some of the victims were told they had won.
In each instance, victims were told their winnings would not be released to them without upfront payment of taxes or fees. According to court documents, information presented to the Court by the Government, and by victims and family members who made or provided impact statements to the Court, individuals sent payments to Whitfield ranging between $212 and $50,000. Some individuals reported sending multiple payments after being instructed to do so by the scammers.
The majority of funds collected by Whitfield were transferred electronically to co-conspirators and others, most often to individuals in Jamaica.
“This defendant’s sentence provides him an opportunity to reflect on the financial and emotional turmoil he caused dozens of people, most of them elderly, when he and his cohorts stole their money,” said United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman. “My office, like Department of Justice offices across the country, is committed to combatting all forms of elder abuse and financial exploitation through enforcement actions like in this case, training and resources, victim services, and public awareness. Our prosecutors and advocates make themselves available to the community to discuss the warning signs of scams and steps to take to help ensure that they do not become a scammer’s next victim.”
United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) agents, assisted by members of the Pawtucket Police Department, Rhode Island State Police, and the U.S. Marshals Service, executed a court-authorized search of Shawn Whitfield’s residence on February 20, 2018. Simultaneously, Whitfield was arrested at his place of employment in Norwood, Mass., by USPIS agents.
Whitfield pleaded guilty on June 3, 2019, to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and mail fraud. At sentencing, today U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith sentenced Whitfield to 30 months in federal prison to be followed by 3 years supervised release. The Court ordered restitution be paid to the victims, the amount to be determined at a later date.
Whitfield’s sentence is announced by United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and Joseph W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise M. Barton, Elder Justice Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island.
Combatting elder abuse and financial fraud targeted at seniors is a key priority of the Department of Justice. If you are a victim or know a victim of elder fraud, you can call 1-877-FTC-HELP or go to ftc.gov/complaint. For downloadable Elder Abuse Prevention resources and for information about community outreach programs in Rhode Island, visit the United States Attorney’s Office’s Elder Justice Initiative web page at https://www.justice.gov/usao-ri/elder-justice
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Two Plead Guilty to Fentanyl Distribution ChargesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – Two men charged in separate, but related, criminal cases pleaded guilty on Wednesday in federal court in Providence to fentanyl distribution charges, admitting that their actions contributed to the death of the buyer, a Massachusetts man.
Appearing before U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith, David Grimaldi, 24 of Coventry, pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl, admitting to the Court that he engaged the assistance of an associate, Robert K. Bell, 24, of Warwick, who pleaded guilty on Wednesday to aiding and abetting the distribution of fentanyl, to help him locate a buyer for pills that he wanted to sell.
According to information presented to the Court, based on the arrangements made by Bell, Grimaldi met that buyer in a West Warwick parking lot, where he distributed three pills marked and colored to look like oxycodone tablets. In reality, the pills were laced with fentanyl. Grimaldi admitted that he watched while the buyer swallowed half of one pill. Minutes later, the buyer, a Massachusetts man, became unresponsive. He was subsequently pronounced dead later that day at Kent County Hospital. Fentanyl was found in his bloodstream.
At a separate hearing before Chief Judge Smith immediately after Grimaldi’s plea, Bell likewise admitted to his role in arranging for the drug transaction, including the type of drug to be delivered, the price, and the time and location for the meeting.
Both defendants admitted that their criminal actions contributed to the death of the buyer.
Grimaldi and Bell’s guilty pleas are announced by United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, West Warwick Police Chief Colonel Mark A. Knott, and Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England Field Division Brian D. Boyle.
Grimaldi and Bell will be sentenced by Chief Judge Smith on January 28, 2020.
The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul F. Daly, Jr., and Zachary A. Cunha.
The matter was investigated by the West Warwick Police Department and the Rhode Island DEA Drug Task Force.
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Admitted Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Firearm and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – An admitted member of the “East B Bop Milla Blood” street gang, previously convicted on state firearm and assault charges, today pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to federal firearm and drug charges.
Damon A. Winslow, 25, of Providence, pleaded guilty to a three-count information charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm, possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession with intent to distribute marijuana, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Kelly D. Brady, and Providence Police Chief Hugh T. Clements, Jr.
According to court documents and information presented to the Court, On March 12, 2019, during a Project Safe Neighborhoods investigation, members of the Rhode Island ATF Task Force and Providence Police executed a federal court-authorized search of Winslow’s residence and seized a fully loaded .45 caliber pistol, more than 150 rounds of assorted ammunition, and approximately 3.5 ounces of marijuana.
At the time of the search, Winslow told members of law enforcement that he purchased the firearm, which was missing its serial number, for approximately $300. Winslow said he had a gun because he was a member of a gang, specifically the Bloods. He also admitted to selling marijuana.
According to court documents, Winslow was convicted in Rhode Island state court in May 2017 on a felony charge of carrying a pistol without a license. Court records indicate that Winslow was arrested again on January 10, 2018, for violating the terms of his probation when, among other things, he committed simple assault and resisted arrest after a fight involving rival gang members at the Garrahy Judicial Complex in Providence. On May 1, 2018, he was convicted of simple assault and resisting arrest and sentenced to 10 months incarceration at the ACI.
Winslow is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith on January 30, 2020.
Felon in possession of a firearm is punishable by statutory penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment and a term of supervised release of 3 years. Possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking is punishable by up to life imprisonment with a mandatory 5-year term of incarceration consecutive to any other sentence imposed in this matter and a term of supervised release of 5 years. Possession with intent to distribute marijuana is punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and a term of supervised release of no less than 2 years.
This Project Safe Neighborhoods case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Milind M. Shah.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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Former Woonsocket Man Admits to Trafficking Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A former Woonsocket man arrested by members of the FBI Safe Streets Task Force during a Project Safe Neighborhoods investigation into the trafficking of crack cocaine pleaded guilty in federal court in Providence to conspiracy and drug distribution charges.
James Ruth, 31, appeared on Tuesday before U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base, and four counts of distribution of cocaine base, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Joseph R. Bonavolonta.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
According to information presented to the court, members of the FBI Safe Streets Task Force arranged several controlled purchases of crack cocaine from Ruth. The purchases were electronically monitored by law enforcement. Four of the transactions took place between March 19 and April 30, 2019. During those transactions, Ruth sold between 3.2 grams and 27.42 grams of cocaine base in exchange for between $170 and $1,200.
Ruth was arrested by members of the Safe Streets Task Force on July 2, 2019. He is scheduled to be sentenced on January 23, 2020.
Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base is punishable by statutory penalties of 5-40 years imprisonment and a term of 4 years to lifetime supervised release. Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base and distribution of cocaine base is punishable by statutory penalties of up to 20 years imprisonment and a term of 3 years to lifetime supervised release.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine D. Lowell and Sandra R. Hebert.
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Federal Grand Jury Indicts Two on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A federal grand jury in Providence has returned indictments charging two women in related cases with child pornography charges.
The grand jury returned a three-count indictment charging Samantha York, 31, of Newport, with two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of distribution of child pornography. The grand jury returned a single-count indictment charging Karissa C. Cave, 23, of Newport, with receipt of child pornography.
According to information presented to the Court, in December 2016, Woonsocket Police discovered a video depicting child pornography on the cell phone of an individual they were investigating for allegedly attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity. It is alleged that the video was created and shared by Samantha York. It is alleged that sometime later that same video was shared with Karissa Cave by someone other than York.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Sexual Exploitation of a minor is punishable by statutory penalties of 15-30 years imprisonment and a term of 5 years to lifetime supervised release. Distribution of child pornography and receipt of child pornography are punishable by statutory penalties of 5-20 years in prison and 5 years to lifetime supervised release.
The matter was investigated by the Woonsocket Police Department, Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and Homeland Security Investigations.
The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise M. Barton.
United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, who announced the indictments along with Woonsocket Police Chief Thomas Oates, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police Colonel James M. Manni, and Homeland Security Investigations Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Molina, thanks the Rhode Island Department of the Attorney General for their assistance.
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DEA to Accept Electronic Vaping Devices and Cartridges on National Drug Takeback DayRead the Press Release
BOSTON – This weekend the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration will once again conduct one of its most popular community programs: National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. On Saturday October 26 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. the public can dispose of their expired, unused, and unwanted prescription medications at 594 collection sites throughout New England, operated by local law enforcement agencies and other community partners. The service is free of charge, no questions asked and most of these collection sites can be found in the lobby of your local Police Department. To find a collection site near you go to: www.DEATakeBack.com
For the first time, DEA will now accept vaping devices and cartridges at any of its drop-off locations during National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. It is important to note that DEA cannot accept devices containing lithium ion batteries. If batteries cannot be removed prior to drop-off, DEA encourages individuals to consult with stores that recycle lithium ion batteries.
Concerns have been raised across the United States over illnesses and death caused by vaping and the high youth vaping initiation rates. In an effort to support a healthy lifestyle and energetic population, especially amongst America’s youth, DEA is committed to doing all it can to help safely dispose of vaping devices and substances.
This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. DEA launched its prescription drug take back program when both the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration advised the public that flushing these drugs down the toilet or throwing them in the trash posed potential safety and health hazards.
“Our take-back events highlight the problems associated to prescription drug abuse and gives our citizens an opportunity to contribute to the solution,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “These efforts help remove unwanted, expired and unused prescription pills that can be abused, stolen or resold which helps our continued dedication to combat the prescription pill, fentanyl and heroin epidemic of substance abuse and addiction.”
United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman added, “The DEA’s Prescription Drug Takeback is an important yet simple step we all can take to ensure that unwanted or unused medications are safely disposed of to prevent them from falling into the hands of individuals who should not have access to them.”
Last April, during its 17th Take Back Day, the DEA New England Field Division participated in the drug take back day and, over the course of four hours, 89,366.3 pounds or over 44 tons of expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs we’re collected at 583 collection sites throughout New England.
The following was the breakdown of collected weights for the six New England states:
CT – 8,361.80
MA – 28,117.50
ME – 27,680
NH – 14,180
RI – 4,465
VT – 6,562
Total- 89,366.3
For more information about the harms of youth vaping, please visit: https://www.justthinktwice.gov/facts/vaping-what-you-should-know.
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Department of Justice Awards More Than $85.3 Million in Grants to Address School ViolenceRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Justice announced it has awarded more than $85.3 million to bolster school security—including funding to educate and train students and faculty—and support first responders who arrive on the scene of a school shooting or other violent incident.
“These federal resources will help to prevent school violence and give our students the support they need to learn, grow, and thrive,’ said Attorney General William P. Barr. “By training faculty, students and first responders, and by improving school security measures, we can make schools and their communities safer.”
“The Central Falls school district works hard every day to ensure students have a safe environment where they can thrive,” noted United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman. “This grant will provide monies for additional tools and resources for increased safety and coordination with law enforcement.”
The grants award more than $337,000 in funding to prevent violence in schools in Central Falls. President Trump signed the STOP School Violence Act into law in March 2018, authorizing grants that are designed to improve threat assessments, train students and faculty to provide tips and leads, and prepare law enforcement officers and emergency professionals to respond to school shootings and other violent incidents. The grant programs are managed by OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance and the Justice Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services.
The Bureau of Justice Assistance, within the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, and the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services manage the programs and administer the grants, which include funds to:
- Develop school threat assessment teams and pursue technological solutions to improve reporting of suspicious activity in and around schools;
- Implement or improve school safety measures, including coordination with law enforcement, as well as the use of metal detectors, locks, lighting and other deterrent measures;
- Train law enforcement to help deter student violence against others and themselves;
- Improve notification to first responders through implementation of technology that expedites emergency notifications;
- Develop and operate anonymous reporting systems to encourage safe reporting of potential school threats;
- Train school officials to intervene when mentally ill individuals threaten school safety; and
- Provide training and technical assistance to schools and other awardees in helping implement these programs.
For more details about these individual award programs, as well as listings of individual 2019 awardees, visit https://go.usa.gov/xVJuV
About the Office of Justice Programs:
The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal justice system. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
About the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services:
The COPS Office is a federal agency responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1994, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of approximately 130,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training and technical assistance. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit www.cops.usdoj.gov.
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Asst. U.S. Attorney Honored with 2019 Neil J. Houston, Jr. AwardRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – Assistant United States Attorney Sandra R. Hebert, Deputy Criminal Chief for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island, has been awarded a 2019 Neil J. Houston, Jr. Memorial Award by Justice Assistance.
Ms. Hebert is one of four 2019 Neil J. Houston, Jr. Memorial Award recipients honored at the 38th annual awards presentation by Justice Assistance “for dedicated service and citizen contribution toward the justice profession and the public interest.”
The Neil J. Houston, Jr. Memorial Award is named in memory of Neil J. Houston, Jr., a Cranston resident, who dedicated his career toward the betterment of the criminal justice system and assisting the individuals who pass through it. Prior to his untimely passing, Mr. Houston was the Director of the Gardiner Howland Shaw Foundation in Massachusetts--which funds reforms of the criminal justice system, and the Frederick E. Weber Charities Corporation--a nonprofit organization that helps individuals in need.
Ms. Hebert joined the United States Attorney’s Office in Rhode Island in June of 2006, after having served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Western District of Texas – Midland/Odessa Division. During her Justice Department career, AUSA Hebert has investigated and prosecuted hundreds of defendants and conducted numerous jury trials. Notably, AUSA Hebert prosecuted wiretap cases, substantial fraud cases, and numerous child exploitation cases. Prior to joining the Department, Ms. Hebert served for four years in the United States Army as a Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, and served as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in Waco, Texas, where she investigated and prosecuted civilians accused of committing offenses on Fort Hood.
United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman said, “Ms. Hebert’s award is so well-deserved and timely. Her dedicated service to the United States in the prosecution of criminal offenses, day in and day out, is, and continues to be, an inspiration not only to the Department of Justice, but also to all players in the justice profession and those serving the public interest.”
Also honored with a 2019 Neil J. Houston, Jr. Memorial Award are Joseph P. Ippolito, Jr., Magistrate, Rhode Island District Court; Lynette J. Labinger, Attorney-at-Law; and the Rhode Island Department of Corrections’ Correctional Industries.
Justice Assistance also honored Noah J. Kilroy, Attorney-at-Law, by presenting him with the 2019 R. Kevin Horan Emerging Leader Award. The Emerging Leader Award is named for R. Kevin Horan, Attorney-at-Law, founding member of Justice Assistance’s Board of Directors and dedicated organization sponsor. Justice Assistance’s Emerging Leader Award recognizes a young professional who has demonstrated an enthusiasm and ability to impact his or her community in an effective and meaningful manner. This promising leader has the potential to effect positive, longstanding change in a complex and always changing society. The R. Kevin Horan Emerging Leader Award is not given out annually.
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Providence Woman Admits to Role in Multi-State Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Providence woman appeared in U.S. District Court today and admitted to her role in a far-reaching multi-state fraud scheme that defrauded banks, finance companies, car dealerships, and retailers of more than $1.3 million.
Yenesia Pujols, 47, admitted to the court that beginning in as early as June 2016, she began to work with Octavio Andres Difo-Castro, 28, of Brooklyn, New York, who previously admitted to the Court that he employed several individuals, including Pujols, who, at his direction, opened bank accounts and applied for and received financing for automobiles, clothing, and electronic devices using fraudulent driver’s licenses, Social Security numbers, and other documents he created with stolen information he purchased on the Dark Web.
Difo-Castro admitted that at his direction several individuals opened bank accounts using fraudulent IDs he provided to deposit and withdraw fraudulently obtained funds; to pose as both the seller and the buyer of vehicles in order to fraudulently secure bank and/or credit union financing from financial institutions in several states; and to obtain retail store credit and make purchases at clothing and cellphone retailers in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania.
Appearing today before U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., Pujols admitted that she allowed her photograph to be used to create several counterfeit driver’s licenses in the names of individuals whose personal identifying information had been stolen. Pujols admitted that she used the stolen IDs to gain credit for the purchase of $4,146.22 worth of Apple iPhones from several Massachusetts retailers. Additionally, Pujols admitted that she used stolen identifying information to open bank accounts and defraud various credit unions of $78,500.
In addition to her participation in the fraud schemes, Pujols admitted to the Court that in January 2016, she filed an application with the Social Security Administration and was approved to receive disability benefits. In October 2016, Pujols used a fraudulent driver’s license with her photograph and the stolen name and personal information of another person during the application and hiring process to gain employment with a temporary job placement service. Pujols admitted that while working for the temporary employment service she collected $3,498 in Social Security Disability payments she was not entitled to receive.
Pujols pleaded guilty today to aggravated identity theft, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and Social Security fraud, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman; Stephen Marks, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service; and Scott E. Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Office of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General/Office of Investigations.
Pujols is scheduled to be sentenced on January 14, 2019.
Difo-Castro pleaded guilty on September 19, 2019, to one count each of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to access device fraud, two counts of aggravated identity theft, and nineteen counts of wire fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on January 13, 2020.
The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William J. Ferland, with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Cunha.
The investigations were led by the U.S. Secret Service, with the assistance of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General/Office of Investigations.
United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman acknowledges and thanks the United States Postal Inspection Service; East Providence, Warwick, Seekonk and Mansfield Police Departments; and the Rhode Island State Police for their assistance in the investigation of these matters.
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ACI Inmate Admits to Running Crack Cocaine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – An inmate at the Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI) admitted in federal court today that on multiple occasions, while incarcerated at the ACI, he arranged for the sale and delivery of crack cocaine to individuals outside of the state prison.
James Gomes, 30, admitted to the Court that on several occasions in 2018, fellow inmates provided Gomes with prospective buyers and their contact information. Gomes admitted that he often passed the information through his mother, Lisa Ellis, 51, of Pawtucket, to two individuals, Joshua Moore, 19, formerly of Pawtucket, and Gerald Price, 34, of Cranston, who allegedly delivered crack cocaine to Gomes’ customers.
According to information presented to the Court, a Project Safe Neighborhoods Investigation by the Rhode Island Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Task Force determined that, using his prison call account and the accounts of others, Gomes frequently called his mother, Lisa Ellis, and would direct her to establish conference calls with Moore and Price. During the conference calls, Gomes admitted, he would direct Ellis, Moore and/or Price to sell crack cocaine to others. Ellis allegedly kept a small portion of the proceeds from the sales for herself and deposited the rest of the money into Gomes’ ACI prison account.
Appearing today before U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., Gomes pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base and distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base, and three counts of distribution of cocaine base, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Kelly D. Brady.
Gomes is scheduled to be sentenced on January 20, 2020.
Joshua Moore pleaded guilty on September 4, 2019, to conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base and three counts of distribution of cocaine base. He is scheduled to be sentenced on November 20, 2019; Lisa Ellis is awaiting trial on charges of conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base and four counts of distribution of cocaine base; Gerald Price is awaiting trial on charges of conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base and distribution of cocaine base.
An indictment is merely an allegation and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Project Safe Neighborhoods is a federal, state and local law enforcement collaboration to identify, investigate and prosecute individuals responsible for violent crimes in our neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Milind M. Shah.
The ATF Task Force is comprised of agents and officers from ATF, Providence Police Department, Pawtucket Police Department, Cranston Police Department, Rhode Island State Police, and the Rhode Island Department of Corrections.
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Seven Indicted in California to Rhode Island Drug Trafficking PipelineRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – Seven individuals have been indicted for their alleged roles in a drug trafficking conspiracy that investigators believe is responsible for the shipment of more than 200 packages containing significant quantities of heroin and cocaine from the Los Angeles, CA., area to rented commercial mailboxes in dozens of locations in greater Providence and Southeastern Massachusetts.
The investigation revealed that more than 100 packages containing large amounts of cash were allegedly sent from the greater Providence area Southeastern Massachusetts back to members of the conspiracy in Los Angeles, Culver City, and Marina del Rey, CA.
A federal indictment unsealed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Providence, RI, charges two individuals from Los Angeles and five individuals from Providence with allegedly having had some role in ensuring that large quantities of drugs were shipped from the Los Angeles area to Southern New England and that payment for the drugs was shipped to the Los Angeles area.
According to court documents and information presented to the Court, investigators from the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and the Rhode Island State Police High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force determined that beginning in as early as February 2017, Robert A. Brown, 41, and Deondre Jones, 42, of Los Angeles, allegedly began shipping packages of cocaine and heroin from the Los Angeles area to commercial mailboxes in Southern New England. The mailboxes were allegedly rented by Valerie G. Gamboa, 26, Marion V. Gamboa, 25, and Giselle S. Polanco, 21, of Providence, using fraudulent driver’s licenses.
According to court documents, the packages were allegedly retrieved from the mailboxes by Joel P. Sennon, 41, and Shawn A. Silva, 37, of Providence, Polanco, and others. Packages containing payment for the drugs were allegedly mailed to Brown, Jones, and others in the Los Angeles area by Silva and others.
USPIS and HIDTA investigators determined that members of the conspiracy allegedly shipped at least 219 packages containing large quantities of cocaine or heroin, including packages containing 383 grams of heroin and 560 grams of cocaine seized by law enforcement, to commercial mailboxes in Southern New England. At least 107 packages containing large amounts of cash for payment for the drugs were mailed to the Los Angeles area. Many of the mailings and the retrieval of packages were captured on video surveillance.
A court-authorized search of Brown’s Los Angeles apartment on August 14, 2019, resulted in the seizure of more than a kilogram of cocaine in vacuumed sealed bags, $32,150 in cash, a loaded semi-automatic handgun and a semi-automatic rifle, various Priority Mail package receipts, commercial mailbox rental receipts, numerous fraudulent driver’s licenses, a cash counting machine, and various items used in the packaging and distribution of drugs.
The indictment is announced by United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Joseph W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, and Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police Colonel James M. Manni.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys William J. Ferland and Christine D. Lowell.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Pawtucket Man Arraigned on Bank Robbery ChargesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Pawtucket man was ordered detained in federal custody today, arraigned on a federal indictment charging him with robbing banks this past summer in Providence and Pawtucket.
It is alleged in an indictment that Christopher S. Oladapo 28, robbed a Providence branch of Citizens Bank on July 27, 2019, and that he robbed a Citizens Bank branch in Pawtucket on August 31, 2019.
According to information presented to the Court, it is alleged that in each of the robberies Oladapo presented threatening notes to bank tellers demanding cash. It is alleged that he made off with $3,268 from the bank in Providence and that he made off with $2,031 from the bank in Pawtucket.
Oladapo was arraigned today on two counts of bank robbery before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Lincoln D. Almond and ordered detained, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Providence Police Chief Colonel Hugh T. Clements, Jr., and Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine D. Lowell and Sandra R. Hebert.
The bank robberies were investigated by the Providence and Pawtucket Police Departments, with the assistance of the FBI.
Guatemalan National Admits to Illegal Reentry, Trafficking HeroinRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Guatemalan national removed from the United States in June 2004 admitted in federal court in Providence today that he reentered the country illegally, and while in the country illegally in February 2019 sold an individual nearly a kilogram of heroin.
Eduardo Alvarez-Gamez, 42, of Providence, was arrested by members of the Rhode Island Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force on February 26, 2019, moments after, for the second time in four hours, he sold an individual significant quantities of heroin. According to information presented to the Court, both transactions occurred while Alvarez-Gomez was under surveillance by members of the DEA drug task force that were investigating his drug trafficking activities. He was arrested after making the second delivery while inside a vehicle in the vicinity of his Providence residence.
Appearing today before U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith, Alvarez-Gamez pleaded guilty to entry into the United States after removal and distribution of 100 grams or more of heroin, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s New England Field Division Brian D. Boyle.
Alvarez-Gamez is scheduled to be sentenced on December 20, 2019. Illegal reentry is punishable by statutory penalties of up to 20 years imprisonment followed by 3 years supervised release. Distribution of more than 100 grams of heroin is punishable by a term of between 5 - 40 years imprisonment to be followed by a mandatory term of supervised release of 4 years.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul F. Daly, Jr.
The Rhode Island DEA Drug Task Force is comprised of law enforcement personnel from DEA, Rhode Island State Police, and the East Providence, Central Falls, Coventry, Cranston, Newport, North Kingstown, Pawtucket, Providence, South Kingstown, Warwick, West Warwick and Woonsocket Police Departments.
Cranston Man Sentenced to More Than 12 Years for Enticing Minors OnlineRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – Paul J. Stabile, 39, of Cranston, who used an online persona of “Cindi Mennillo,” a 16-year-old girl from Newport, to persuade numerous young boys between the ages of 13-15 to engage in explicit sexual activity in live stream videos over Facebook Messenger and Skype, was sentenced today to 151 months in federal prison.
The investigation that led to identifying Stabile as a person directing young teenage boys to participate in sexually explicit live-stream videos began in December 2017, when the mother of a 14 year-old boy in Nevada reported to the FBI that her son was the victim of an online enticement. The investigation uncovered chats between Stabile, pretending to be 16 year-old “Cindi Mennillo,” and the minor victim. During some of the conversations, Stabile directed the young teenager to send back live video streams of himself participating in sexually explicit acts. To deceive the minor victim, Stabile falsely claimed technical difficulties were preventing “Cindi” from reciprocating with live video. Instead Stabile sent the young teenager images, both pornographic and non-pornographic, of an athletic young female purported to be “Cindi.”
On November 20, 2018, a federal court-authorized search of Stabile’s residence resulted in the seizure of several computers and other digital media devices and the arrest of Stabile. Forensic audits of the devices resulted in the discovery of hundreds of images and videos of child pornography, including videos of dozens of young teenage boys performing a sex act in a similar manner to the Nevada-based minor victim. Also found were the images sent by “Cindi” to the minor victim in Nevada.
Stabile pleaded guilty on June 12, 2019, to inducement of a minor to engage in illicit sexual activity and possession of child pornography. At sentencing today, U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith sentenced Stabile to 151 months in federal prison to be followed by lifetime supervised release.
Stabile’s sentence is announced by United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Joseph R. Bonavolonta.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John P. McAdams.
The matter was investigated by the FBI, with assistance from members of the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Warwick and Cranston Police, and the Washoe County, Nevada Sherriff’s Department.
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Cranston Man Sentenced to Federal Prison on Illicit Sex ChargeRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Cranston man who befriended a 15-year-old girl from Maine on the Internet who he intended to bring to Rhode Island to engage with in illicit sexual activity was sentenced today to 24 months in federal prison.
Raymond Gliottone, 36, was arrested by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents on November 16, 2018, days before he was scheduled to travel to Maine to pick-up the 15-year-old girl and drive her to his home in Rhode Island, where he intended to engage in prohibited sexual activity. Gliottone and the 15-year-old had been communicating online for several weeks prior to the date of Gliottone’s arrest.
According to court documents and information presented to the court, a family member of the 15-year-old discovered the online communications as well as sexually graphic images exchanged between Gliottone and the 15-year-old. The family member spoke with Gliottone, who claimed that he believed the girl to be 20-years-old. Nevertheless, Gliottone continued to communicate with the girl and made arrangements to travel to Maine to pick her up and drive her to Rhode Island to engage in sexual activity.
Gliottone pleaded guilty on March 13, 2019, to interstate travel with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor. He was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., to 24 months imprisonment to be followed by 10 years supervised release, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and Homeland Security Investigations Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Molina.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John P. McAdams.
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RI Family Dollar Stores to Address ADA Compliance IssuesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – Family Dollar Stores of Rhode Island, LLC has agreed to a Settlement Agreement with the United States, under which it is required to undertake steps to review, identify, and address accessibility issues inside and outside of all 29 stores located in Rhode Island to bring them into compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman.
The company will also pay a civil penalty to the United States.
This agreement follows an investigation by the United States Attorney’s Office under Title III of the ADA, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in the full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations of any place of public accommodation. Although it is a private entity, Family Dollar Stores are places of “public accommodation” within the meaning of Title III of the ADA.
The United States’ investigation determined that Family Dollar stores in Rhode Island were not being maintained to ensure sufficient access for persons with disabilities, including access to accessible parking spaces, front entrances, and store aisles. The investigation was prompted by complaints to the United States Attorney’s office by persons with disabilities who use mobility aids, such as wheelchairs and walkers.
According to the Settlement Agreement, Family Dollar Stores of Rhode Island, which cooperated fully with the investigation, has agreed to ensure that its employees will not place merchandise, shopping carts, boxes, and/or any other items in areas of its facilities, including both inside and outside of its stores, where such placement reduces or eliminates accessibility; will hire or designate an employee to serve as an ADA Coordinator with sufficient training and authority to undertake meaningful efforts to ensure that all Family Dollar Stores are in compliance with the Agreement; and within 60 days all regional, district and store managers and employees will undergo complete training regarding Title III of the ADA.
Additionally, Family Dollar Stores of Rhode Island has agreed to pay the United States government a civil penalty of $7,500 and to remedy all violations within six months.
This matter was litigated by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy R. Romero.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island is committed to investigating alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Those interested in learning more about architectural barriers to access under the Americans with Disabilities Act may access www.ada.gov, visit the web site of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island at www.justice.gov/usao-ri/civil-rights-enforcement, or call the Department of Justice’s toll-free information line at (800) 514-0301 or (800) 514-0383 (TTY). Information about filing a complaint, including instructions for filing a complaint online, can be found at www.ada.gov/filing_complaint.htm..
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Naval Officer Indicted on Transportation and Enticement of a Minor, Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A retired U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander most recently stationed at the Naval War College in Newport, RI, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Providence, RI, today on charges he allegedly transported and enticed a minor to engage in illicit sexual conduct, and that he distributed, received, and possessed child pornography all while actively serving and following his retirement from active service with the U.S. Navy.
Ronald W. Zenga, 49, of Middletown, RI, who retired from the U.S. Navy in October 2017, was indicted today on two counts of enticement or coercion of a minor to engage in illicit sexual activity and one count each of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in illicit sexual activity, interstate travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, distribution of child pornography, receipt of child pornography, and possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Homeland Security Investigations Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Molina, and Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police Colonel James M. Manni.
It is alleged that Zenga repeatedly coerced a minor to engage in illicit sexual activity, and transported a minor across state lines from Rhode Island to Texas, Florida and Cuba with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.
According to court documents and information provided to the Court, in September 2018, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents in Providence received information from the Bedfordshire Police Department (BPD) in the United Kingdom that an individual, later identified by HSI as Zenga, was allegedly communicating with a BPD agent through a Russian file sharing website. According to the BPD, the communications allegedly graphically described ongoing sexual encounters with a young minor child. It is alleged that Zenga described several years of sexual encounters with a child, dating back to the child’s prepubescent years.
On October 17, 2018, HSI agents and members of the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force executed a federal court authorized search of Zenga’s Middletown residence. Forensic previews of Zenga’s electronic devices resulted in the discovery of emails and files of child pornography allegedly shared, received and possessed by Zenga.
Following the search of his residence, Zenga was arrested and detained in federal custody on a criminal complaint charging him with access with the intent to view child pornography, and receipt and possession of child pornography.
The ongoing investigation resulted in the return today of a seven-count indictment.
A criminal complaint and an indictment are merely an accusations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Each count of enticement or coercion of a minor to engage in illicit sexual activity and transportation of a minor with intent to engage in illicit sexual activity are punishable by statutory penalties of 10 years to life in federal prison followed by 5 years to lifetime supervised release. Interstate travel with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct is punishable by statutory penalties of up to 30 years in prison followed by up to lifetime supervised release. Distribution of child pornography and receipt of child pornography are punishable by statutory penalties of 5-20 years imprisonment followed by up to lifetime supervised release. Possession of child pornography is punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment and 3 years supervised release.
An arraignment date has not yet been scheduled.
The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John P. McAdams.
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Former Pawtucket Man Sentenced for Trafficking Crack Cocaine After Release from State PrisonRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A former Pawtucket man who, while incarcerated in the Rhode Island Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI), made arrangements for the disposal of a firearm stored at his residence, and within six weeks of his release from state prison in April 2019 was arrested for twice selling crack cocaine to an undercover law enforcement officer who lived in Massachusetts, was sentenced today to 5 years in federal prison.
Shortly after his release from the ACI on April 11, 2018, Ricardo Dominquez, 24, contacted the same undercover out-of-state law enforcement officer that purchased his firearm and offered to sell him crack cocaine. Dominquez was arrested on May 22, 2018, for twice selling crack cocaine to the law enforcement officer.
Dominquez pleaded guilty on April 12, 2019, to two counts of distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base. He was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith to 60 months in federal prison to be followed by 4 years of supervised release.
Gary Pagnozzi, 60, of Pawtucket, admitted to selling Dominquez’s .44 caliber revolver along with 3.5 grams of crack cocaine to the undercover law enforcement officer on April 5, 2018. Dominquez had called Pagnozzi from inside the ACI and asked him to retrieve and sell the firearm. He sold it that same day for $500 along with 3.5 grams of crack cocaine for $200.
Pagnozzi was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., on September 12, 2019, to one year and a day in federal prison, to be followed by three years supervised release, the first six months to be served in a Pawtucket residential reentry center.
Dominquez and Pagnozzi’s sentences are announced by United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Kelly D. Brady.
The cases were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Milind M. Shah. The matters were investigated by ATF and the Rhode Island ATF Task Force.
United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman thanks the Department of Corrections for their assistance in the investigation of Ricardo Dominquez and Gary Pagnozzi.
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Fraud and Identity Theft Conspiracy Ringleader Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – The leader of a multi-state conspiracy that stole and used personal identifying information of others to defraud banks, finance companies, car dealerships and retailers of more than $1.3 million pleaded guilty in federal court in Providence today to conspiracy, aggravated identity theft and fraud charges, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman; Stephen Marks, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service; and Scott E. Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Office of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General/Office of Investigations.
Appearing before U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., Octavio Andres Difo-Castro, 28, of Brooklyn, New York, admitted that he employed several individuals who, at his direction, opened bank accounts and applied for and received financing for automobiles, clothing, and electronic devices using fraudulent driver’s licenses, Social Security numbers, and other documents he created with stolen information he purchased on the Dark Web.
Difo-Castro’s admitted to the court that, at his direction, several individuals opened bank accounts using fraudulent IDs he provided to deposit and withdraw fraudulently obtained funds; to pose as both the seller and the buyer of vehicles in order to fraudulently secure bank and/or credit union financing from financial institutions in several states; and used stolen IDs he provided to obtain retail store credit and make purchases at clothing and cellphone retailers in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, banks and credit unions were defrauded of $899,866; cellphone retailers of $117,341; and clothing retailers of $14,067.
Difo-Castro pleaded guilty today to one count each of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to access device fraud, two counts of aggravated identity theft, and nineteen counts of wire fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on January 13, 2020.
Also charged and convicted in these matters are:
- Reynaldo Martinez, 25, of Providence, who pleaded guilty in November 2017 to four counts of aggravated identity theft, two counts of access fraud, and one count each of bank fraud, conspiracy to commit fraud, attempted access fraud, and interstate transportation of stolen goods. Martinez was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., to 48 months in federal prison and ordered to pay restitution totaling $38,126.62 to businesses he defrauded;
- Jason McDonald, 37, of Attleboro, MA, pleaded guilty in March 2018 to conspiracy, attempted bank fraud, fraudulent use of a Social Security number, and aggravated identity theft. McDonald was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., to 39 months in federal prison;
- Donald A. Wicklund, 33, of Pawtucket, pleaded guilty on April 12, 2018, to two counts of wire fraud, five counts of fraudulent use of a Social Security Number, five counts of aggravated identity theft and three counts of bank fraud. Wicklund was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., to 24 months and one day in federal prison; and
- Patricia Peralta, 28, of Patterson, N.J., pleaded guilty on August 21, 2019, of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit access fraud, aggravated identity theft, wire fraud, and fraudulent use of a Social Security number. She is scheduled to be sentenced on January 9, 2020.
Yenesia Pujols, 47, of Providence, R.I., arrested on February 8, 2019, is awaiting trial on one count each of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, and Social Security fraud, and three counts of wire fraud.
The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William J. Ferland, with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Cunha.
The investigations were led by the U.S. Secret Service, with the assistance of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General/Office of Investigations.
United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman acknowledges and thanks the United States Postal Inspection Service; East Providence, Warwick, Seekonk and Mansfield Police Departments; and the Rhode Island State Police for their assistance in the investigation of these matters.
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Two Plead Guilty in Decades Long Scheme to Defraud the U.S. GovernmentRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Rhode Island couple has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges they participated in a scheme that lasted more than twenty years to defraud the United States Government of hundreds of thousands of dollars in federally-funded benefits.
Lens Chappell, a/k/a Carter Jefferson, 71, and his wife, Mulin Alexandre, a/k/a Kesa Pittman and later Kesa Jefferson, 40, of Providence, admitted they jointly participated in schemes to fraudulently obtain government documents, state Medicaid, as well as federally-funded U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), U.S Health and Human Services (HHS) and Social Security benefits dating back to at least 1998.
Appearing today before U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., Lens Chappell pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States, theft of public money, false statement in a passport application or use, and aggravated identity theft. On Monday, Mulin Alexandre pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr. to conspiracy to defraud the United States and passport fraud. Both will be sentenced on December 4, 2019.
According to court documents, beginning in 1998, Lens Chappell took on a relative’s identity and used that identity and a stolen identity to identify his wife in order to obtain government documents, including passports. Chappell arranged for Alexandre to come from her native Haiti to the United States unlawfully, changing her identity to Kesa Pittman and later Kesa Jefferson.
The pair used the fraudulent identities to obtain state Medicaid benefits and federally-funded benefits from HUD, HHS, and Social Security. According to information presented to the Court, from 1998 to 2014, it is alleged that the Providence couple fraudulently received an estimated $450,000 in federally-funded benefits they were not entitled to receive.
Lens Chappell and Mulin Alexandre’s guilty pleas are announced by United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman; Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha; Scott E. Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Office of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General/Office of Investigations; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General Special Agent in Charge Phillip M. Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Office of the U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service William B. Gannon; Christina D. Scaringi, Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Region of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General; and Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police Colonel James M. Manni.
United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman thanks the Rhode Island Department of the Attorney General and the Rhode Island Department of Human Services for their continued assistance in the investigation of this matter and support in the preparation of this case for prosecution in federal court.
The case is being jointly prosecuted in U.S. District Court by Assistant United States Attorney Terrence P. Donnelly and Rhode Island Special Assistant Attorney General David T. Bonzagni.
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Armed Drug Trafficker Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Providence man stopped by Pawtucket Police for a traffic violation and found to be in possession of a loaded firearm, ammunition, several bags of crack cocaine, and a large bag of marijuana pleaded guilty today in federal court to drug trafficking and firearm charges brought in a Project Safe Neighborhoods investigation.
Scott Arnum, 30, was stopped by Pawtucket Police on September 17, 2017, after he stopped short of pulling out in front of a police cruiser while failing to use a turn signal. According to court documents, as the officer approached the vehicle she smelled a strong odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle and observed the driver making rapid movements. Arnum complied with the officer’s request to exit the vehicle.
Once out of the vehicle, officers discovered a large bag of marijuana and six bags of crack cocaine inside Arnum’s clothing. A seventh bag fell out of Arnum’s underwear after he was transported to the police station. An inventory of Arnum’s vehicle resulted in the seizure of a loaded 9mm pistol and two loaded 9mm magazines from inside the vehicle’s glovebox.
According to court records, Arnum was previously convicted in federal court for possession of crack cocaine with the intent to distribute and being a felon in possession of a firearm. In December 2010, Arnum was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release.
Appearing today before U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith, Arnum pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine, felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England Field Division Brian D. Boyle, and Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Kelly D. Brady.
Arnum is scheduled to be sentenced on December 6, 2019. Possession of crack cocaine is punishable by statutory penalties of up to 20 years in federal prison followed by at least 3 years supervised release. Possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking is punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years up to life imprisonment consecutive to any other sentence imposed in this matter followed by up to 5 years supervised release. Felon in possession of a firearm is punishable by up to 10 years of incarceration followed by up to 3 years supervised release.
This Project Safe Neighborhoods case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald R. Gendron.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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Trucking Company Owners Sentenced in Scheme to Falsify Federal Safety RecordsRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – The owners of two trucking companies that hauled tons of refuse and scrap metal through Rhode Island and Massachusetts were each sentenced today to 12 months probation and fined $1,250 for directing employees to falsify federally mandated United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIR) and allow trucks in need of repair to remain on the road and haul waste.
Leslie Cucino, 54, and Robert Cucino, Jr., 49, of Foster, RI, owners of CDE Corporation and Winsor Hill Hauling and Recycling Corporation, admitted to directing truck drivers over a period of years not to report safety defects on the DVIRs as they were required to do. In numerous instances, state police in Rhode Island and Massachusetts pulled over their trucks for safety inspections and issued inspection reports citing many defects, including some serious defects such as faulty brakes. The Cucinos’ regularly instructed drivers to report “no defects” on the DVIR reports.
A significant amount of the companies’ business included hauling fully loaded truckloads of scrap metal to the Port of Providence and to locations in Boston. The companies have since closed.
United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) regulations, enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a division of the USDOT, require that motor carriers require their drivers to prepare a daily DVIR on each commercial motor vehicle operated. The report must be in writing and prepared at the completion of each day's work, and must include at least the following parts and accessories: service brakes, parking (hand) brake, steering mechanism, lighting devices and reflectors, tires, horn, windshield wipers, rear vision mirrors, coupling devices, wheels and rims, and emergency equipment.
The reports, which must be preserved and made available upon demand for review, are the primary means by which FMCSA Inspectors and state law enforcement authorities enforce federal motor carrier safety regulations relating to the safety of the commercial motor vehicles.
Leslie and Robert Cucino, Jr., previously pleaded guilty to failure to comply with Department of Transportation regulations. They were each sentenced today by U.S District Court Magistrate Judge Lincoln D. Almond to 12 months probation and fined $1,250, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and Todd Damiani, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee H. Vilker.
The matter was investigated by USDOT Office of Inspector General and FMCSA, with the assistance of Massachusetts State Police and Rhode Island State Police.
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Pawtucket Man Sentenced for Selling Firearm, Crack Cocaine to Undercover OfficerRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Pawtucket man who sold a firearm and crack cocaine to an undercover Massachusetts law enforcement officer was sentenced Thursday to one year and a day in federal prison, to be followed by three years supervised release, the first six months to be served in a Pawtucket residential reentry center.
Gary Pagnozzi, 60, of Pawtucket, admitted to selling a .44 caliber revolver and 3.5 grams of crack cocaine to the undercover law enforcement officer on April 5, 2018, the same day he retrieved the firearm from the residence of an inmate incarcerated at the Rhode Island Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI). The inmate, 24-year-old Ricardo Dominquez, called Pagnozzi from inside the ACI and asked him to retrieve and sell the firearm. That same day, Pagnozzi arranged to sell the firearm to a person he knew to be a Massachusetts resident. Pagnozzi arranged to meet the person, an undercover law enforcement officer, in Massachusetts where he sold him the firearm for $500 and 3.5 grams of crack cocaine for $200.
Pagnozzi, who pleaded guilty on June 25, 2019, to transferring a firearm to an out-of-state resident and to distribution of cocaine base, was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., to one year and one day in federal prison, to be followed by three years supervised release, the first six months to be served at the Neil J. Houston Jr. House, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Kelly D. Brady.
Dominquez, who was released from the ACI on April 11, 2018, contacted the out-of-state law enforcement officer and offered to sell him crack cocaine. Dominquez, arrested on May 22, 2019, for twice selling crack cocaine to the law enforcement officer, pleaded guilty in federal court on April 19, 2019, to two counts of distribution of cocaine base. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith on September 23, 2019.
The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Milind M. Shah. The matters were investigated by ATF and the Rhode Island ATF Task Force.
United States Attorney Aaron L, Weisman thanks the Department of Corrections for their assistance in the investigation of Gary Pagnozzi.
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Discrimination Complaints Based on National Origin ResolvedRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – The United States Attorney’s Office and the Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights (RICHR) today announced they have jointly resolved investigations into complaints that the Cranston Portuguese Club engaged in a pattern or practice of illegal discrimination against people of Cambodian ancestry. The investigations addressed allegations the Cranston Portuguese Club violated Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Rhode Island General Law § 11-24-1, et seq.
Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination because on race, color, religion, or national origin in certain places of public accommodation, such as hotels, restaurants, and places of entertainment. Under Title II, the Department of Justice can obtain injunctive relief that changes policies and practices to remedy customer discrimination.
Information was brought to the attention of the United States Attorney’s Office and RICHR that, prior to 2017, the Cranston Portuguese Club had a policy and practice of asking first-time patrons if they were of Cambodian descent. If the patron indicated that he or she was Cambodian, the Club contacted the Cranston Police Department to inquire about detail officers for the event. If the Police Department dispatched detail officers to the event, the Club imposed the charges for the detail officers on the patron.
The Club maintained that its practice of requiring a police detail was based on what it understood to be direction from the Police Department dating to the 1990’s. The investigation concluded that individuals of Cambodian ancestry were required by the Club to pay for detail officers for their weddings, birthday parties, and graduation celebrations. The Club did not follow this policy or practice for patrons who were not of Cambodian ancestry.
Pursuant to a Settlement Agreement, the Cranston Portuguese Club will establish a victim fund to compensate aggrieved persons from December 10, 2005, pursuant to R.I.G.L. §§ 11-24-4, 28-5-24; post a framed apology to the Rhode Island Cambodian community; and provide training for all officers and members. Members of the Cambodian community who incurred charges for detail officers for events held at the Cranston Portuguese Social Club from December 10, 2005 to the present, should contact RICHR at 401-222-4477.
United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman commented, “Discrimination against an individual or group based on their national origin, as was the case here, is simply wrong and against the law. This Office, both independently and working with partners such as the Rhode Island Commission on Human Rights, is committed to addressing claims of discrimination in our communities.”
Michael Evora, Executive Director of RICHR added, “The Commission was pleased to work with the United States Attorney’s Office on this important matter of discrimination, and we look forward to combining our efforts in the future should the occasion to do so arise.”
At the request of the Cranston Police Department, the Department of Justice also provided technical assistance to the Cranston Police Department regarding their detail policy and obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act to ensure that those policies are current and compliant with Title VI.
The matter was litigated by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy R. Romero and RICHR staff attorney Francis A. Gaschen.
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Malicious Cyber Activity and Online Scam Warning in Wake of Hurricane DorianRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman today urged everyone, particularly online users, to remain vigilant for malicious cyber activity and would-be scammers who may target Hurricane Dorian disaster victims and potential donors.
Fraudulent emails commonly appear after major natural disasters and often contain links or attachments that direct users to malicious websites. Users should exercise caution in handling any email with a hurricane related subject line, attachment, or hyperlink. In addition, users should be wary of social media pleas, texts, or door-to-door solicitations relating to severe weather events.
U.S. Attorney Aaron Weisman commented, “We have all seen the heartbreaking pictures and heard the heart wrenching details of the devastation hundreds of thousands of people are experiencing in the wake of Hurricane Dorian. Sadly, there are always heartless, greedy individuals waiting to pounce on the kindness of others and victimize them.”
U.S. Attorney’s across the country are encouraging Americans to review the following resources for more information and to take preventative measures to avoid becoming victims of malicious activity.
• Staying Alert to Disaster-related Scams
• Before Giving to a Charity
• Staying Safe on Social Networking Sites
• Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks
If you believe you have been a victim of cybercrime, file a complaint with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov
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Bronx Man Pleads Guilty to ID Theft, Bank FraudRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Bronx, N.Y., man appeared in federal court in Providence today and admitted to his role in various stolen identity and bank fraud schemes and conspiracies that bilked banks, finance companies, car dealerships, and others in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and elsewhere out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Angel L. Morales, 52, is one of ten individuals charged in a series of indictments, informations, and criminal complaints filed in U.S. District Court in Providence for their alleged participation in one or more conspiracies where individuals used stolen personal identifying information to open credit union accounts online and bank accounts in person at various bank branch offices, obtained auto loans using fraudulent documentation, and then quickly withdrew the funds prior to banks discovering the fraudulent activity.
Morales is among six individuals named in a 32-count superseding indictment returned on February 6, 2019. The indictment charges Morales with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, and three counts of bank fraud. Appearing today before U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., Morales pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft.
Morales admitted that as a participant in the conspiracy, he opened bank accounts at various bank branch offices in Rhode Island and Massachusetts using stolen personal identifying information provided to him by other members of the conspiracy. Proceeds from fraudulently obtained car loans obtained by others with the use of fraudulent sales documents and vehicle titles were electronically deposited into accounts opened by Morales. Morales and others quickly withdrew the funds prior to banks discovering the schemes.
According to court documents, investigations led by the U.S. Secret Service with the assistance of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General/Office of Investigations, United States Postal Inspection Service, East Providence, Warwick, and Pawtucket, R.I., Police Departments, Seekonk and Mansfield, Mass., Police Departments; and the Rhode Island State Police, have determined that the defendants, many known to one another, allegedly participated in various schemes to steal and use individuals’ personal identifying information to defraud banks, credit unions, finance companies, and retailers of hundreds of thousands of dollars in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania.
Morales traveled to the Dominican Republic in September 2018, shortly after federal agents executed search warrants at the New Jersey apartment of one of his alleged co-conspirators. Morales returned to the United States on March 30, 2019, and was arrested in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., after arriving on a flight from the Dominican Republic.
Morales, who has been detained in federal custody since his arrest, is scheduled to be sentenced on November 19, 2019.
The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys William J. Ferland and Zachary A. Cunha.
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West Warwick Man Charged with Distribution of FentanylRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – An information was filed in U.S. District Court in Providence today charging David Grimaldi, 23, of West Warwick, with distribution of fentanyl.
It is alleged in court documents that Nicholas Bateman, 27, of Rochester, Mass., ingested one half of one of three pills allegedly sold to him by Grimaldi on July 1, 2017, and quickly became unresponsive. He was pronounced dead a short time later at Kent Hospital.
A subsequent autopsy established the presence of alcohol and fentanyl in the blood of Bateman. The Rhode Island Medical Examiner determined that Bateman died as a result of the toxic effects of alcohol and fentanyl.
According to court documents, the three pills allegedly sold by Grimaldi to Bateman were manufactured to appear to be 30 mg. Oxycodone hydrochloride tablets. DEA forensic testing established the pills contained fentanyl.
According to a plea agreement filed in this matter, the government will argue at sentencing that the death of Nicholas Bateman resulted from the conduct of David Grimaldi.
The filing of an information charging David Grimaldi with distribution of fentanyl is announced by United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, West Warwick Police Chief Colonel Mark A. Knott, and Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England Field Division Brian D. Boyle.
An information is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Distribution of fentanyl is punishable by statutory penalties of up to 20 years imprisonment followed by lifetime supervised release, and a fine of $1,000,000.
Grimaldi will be arraigned in U.S. District Court on a date to be established by the Court.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul F. Daly, Jr.
The matter was investigated by the West Warwick Police Department and the Rhode Island DEA Drug Task Force.
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Warwick Man Charged with Interstate Travel to Engage in Sex with a Minor, Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Warwick man who allegedly befriended a 15-year-old Hopkins, Michigan, girl on social media and allegedly helped her devise and execute a plan to run away from home and avoid being located or contacted by her parents has been charged in federal court in Providence with interstate travel to engage in sexual activity with a minor and receipt of child pornography.
Charles Morancey, 43, was arrested by Warwick Police on August 6, 2019, four days after he allegedly traveled to the girl’s home in Michigan, picked her up, and drove her to his residence in Rhode Island. It is alleged that Morancey engaged in illicit sexual activity with the 15 year-old on the way to Rhode Island and at his residence.
Morancey has been detained on Rhode Island State charges since his arrest.
It is alleged in court documents that Morancey and the 15 year-old began communicating via social media in mid-July. When the girl expressed that she was experiencing difficulties at home, it is alleged that Morancey helped her devise a plan to run away from home, prevent her parents from accessing her social media accounts, and avoid being contacted or located by them.
It is alleged the two exchanged sexually explicit comments through social media, and that the 15 year-old sent Morancey sexually explicit photographs.
According to court documents, on August 6, Allegan County Sherriff’s Department obtained an emergency search warrant for the then missing teen’s Instagram account, and determined that the girl had logged on to her account from an IP address in Rhode Island belonging to Morancey. The Allegan County Sherriff’s Department notified Warwick Police who went to Morancey’ s residence where they located the 15 year-old. The girl was escorted to Warwick Police headquarters. Later that afternoon, Morancey was located driving his vehicle, pulled over, and arrested.
Charges filed in U.S. District Court on Monday are announced by United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Warwick Police Chief Colonel Rick Rathbun, and Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Joseph R. Bonavolonta, and are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee H. Vilker.
United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman acknowledges and thanks the Rhode Island Department of the Attorney General for their assistance to this Office prior to the filing of charges in U.S. District Court.
The matter was investigated by the Warwick Police Department, with the assistance of the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force and the Allegan County Sherriff’s Office.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Fugitive in "Card Cracking" Scheme Arrested in CaliforniaRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – The final person sought in connection with an alleged bank fraud scheme where members of an alleged conspiracy created and deposited approximately a million dollars worth of bogus checks in banks in Rhode Island and Massachusetts has been arrested in California.
Edmilson Rodriques, 20, of Providence, named in a federal indictment along with six others returned in Providence in April 2019, was found sleeping in a vehicle in a Culver City, California, hotel parking lot on August 19. Inside the vehicle, Culver City Police allegedly located an assortment of driver’s licenses, social security numbers, credit cards, and checks in the name of several individuals other than Rodriguez or the other individual also found inside the vehicle with Rodrigues.
Rodrigues is one of six individuals named in an indictment who are charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and bank fraud. A seventh individual is charged with conspiracy to commit bank.
According to the indictment and information presented to the Court, it is alleged that the members of the conspiracy solicited individuals with access to legitimate business and public agency checks to photograph the checks and send them to a counterfeiter. The information was used to create counterfeit checks. It is alleged that members of the conspiracy then solicited others via social media, often times college students, to allow the bogus checks to be deposited into their bank accounts. Using ATM cards belonging to the account holders, either members of the conspiracy or, at times the actual account holders, under the supervision of members of the conspiracy, would attempt to withdraw cash from the accounts prior to the bank determining that the deposited checks were counterfeit.
It is alleged that over the past six years, members of the conspiracy created and deposited approximately a million dollars worth of bogus checks in banks in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
The other six individuals named in the indictment were previously arrested and arraigned in U.S. District Court in Providence. Rodrigues is detained in federal custody following an appearance in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles. He will be returned to Rhode Island by the U.S. Marshals Service and arraigned at a later date in U.S. District Court in Providence.
The arrest of Rodrigues is announced by United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Providence Police Chief Colonel Hugh T. Clements, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service Stephen Marks, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Joseph W. Cronin, and Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Joseph R. Bonavolonta.
This investigation was initiated by the Providence Police Department’s Detective Bureau, Financial Crimes Unit. They sought the assistance of federal law enforcement and the case was then investigated jointly by U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the FBI.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William J. Ferland.
United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman thanks the Rhode Island Department of the Attorney General, Rhode Island State Police, and the Warwick and North Providence Police Departments for their assistance in the investigation of this matter.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Auto Transport Company Owner Pleads Guilty to Falsifying DOT Records, Bank Fraud, ID Theft, Tax Evasion,Read the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – The owner of an East Providence automobile transport company Thursday admitted to a federal court judge that he falsified U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) records and continued to operate a fleet of auto transport trucks after having been cited for, among other things, allowing drivers to operate without a current or properly classified license; failing to maintain certifications that drivers were medically able to drive and failing to implement a driver alcohol or controlled substances testing program; and allowing drivers to exceed the maximum number of hours of driving allowed under the law.
Appearing before U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith, Michael Chaves, 39, owner of CAT Inc., also admitted to fraudulently obtaining more than $400,000 from various financial institutions; that he utilized another person’s personal identifying information to continue to illegally operate his auto hauling business after being ordered to shut down by the FMCSA for safety violations; and that he took numerous evasive steps to avoid paying personal income taxes to the IRS.
Chaves pleaded guilty to a ten-count information charging him with falsification of records, aggravated identity theft, five-counts of bank fraud, two-counts of wire fraud, and tax evasion, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Special Agent in Charge of Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Kristina O'Connell, and Special Agent in Charge of the Region II U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General Douglas Shoemaker.
In addition to admitting to operating a scheme whereby he attempted to influence and impede FMCSA investigations and administrative compliance reviews by falsifying U.S. DOT records, Chaves admitted to operating various schemes to fraudulently obtain loans and funds from several banks and credit unions. Chaves admitted to fraudulently obtaining loans from at least six different financial institutions totaling $332,000, by providing fraudulent earning statements, tax returns, motor vehicle purchase contracts, and Department of Motor Vehicle documents.
Chaves also admitted to employing a fraudulent check scheme by submitting 15 fraudulent checks he created to an automobile seller’s bank account from which he obtained $64,453 and that he allegedly caused the fraudulent wire transfer between financial institutions of $72,864.28.
Chaves also admitted that he took several steps to evade income taxes by, among other things, commingling business and personal expenses; using a check casher to divert third-party income; creating fraudulent third-party checks and cashing them using a check casher, rather than a bank; and maintaining approximately 15 different bank accounts using at least 5 different company names.
Chaves is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith on November 25, 2019.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dulce Donovan.
The matter was investigated by Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations and the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, with the assistance of the East Providence Police Department and the National Crime Insurance Bureau.
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Rhode Island Man Sentenced to Forty Years in Prison for Producing and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A former Warwick, R.I., man who repeatedly recorded himself raping an unconscious minor and who possessed one of the largest collections of child pornography ever seized by law enforcement in Rhode Island was sentenced today to 40 years in federal prison.
Jordan Monroe, 54, has been detained in federal custody since his arrest by Homeland Security Investigations agents and members of the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force on May 12, 2016, when, during a court-authorized search of his residence, he was found to be in possession of tens of thousands of images and nearly a thousand videos containing child pornography.
According to information presented to the Court, among a fraction of the more than 3.5 million picture files and twenty-four thousand video files located on Monroe’s electronic devices and reviewed by law enforcement during a Project Safe Childhood investigation, more than 36,840 images and 960 videos were discovered to contain child pornography.
Among the videos reviewed are videos created by Monroe of himself repeatedly raping an unconscious minor child. The videos depict at least 19 different rapes, which took place over a period spanning at least 3 years.
Monroe was also found to be in possession of a manifesto for pedophiles titled, “How to Practice Child Love,” created to teach pedophiles how to find, isolate, molest, and rape children and not get caught.
United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman commented, “The abhorrent conduct of this man and others like him who abuse and exploit children more than justifies the forty years in federal prison the Court sentenced this defendant to serve. Federal, state, and local law enforcement and prosecutors will continue to tirelessly work as a team to use every resource available to identify and rescue victims of exploitation and to hold those responsible accountable.”
“Today’s sentence is the result of the coordinated effort of a team of federal, state and local law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office who worked closely to ensure that justice was served in this disturbing case. “ said Jason J. Molina, acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations. “The evidence unearthed in this investigation showed that this dangerous defendant, through his extensive crimes over many years, had no concern for the harm he repeatedly caused to the many child victims he exploited and victimized. We can only hope that today’s sentence might provide some small measure of justice for the victims who will undoubtedly suffer lifelong damages because of the actions of this depraved threat to our community.”
Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police Colonel James M. Manni added, “The Rhode Island State Police will continue to investigate and prosecute any and all child predators that prey on our most precious resource; our children. The State Police and the Internet Crimes Against Children task force are committed to protecting our children and to see that such malign and deviant behavior is stopped and the offenders are held accountable in a court of law.”
At sentencing today, U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith sentenced Monroe to 480 months in federal prison to be followed by lifetime federal supervised release.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John P. McAdams.
This case was brought as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Louis "the Coin" Colavecchio Sentenced to Prison for Counterfeiting $100 BillsRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A 77 year-old Rhode Island man nicknamed “The Coin,” having previously been convicted of, among other things, counterfeiting massive amounts of slugs used in slot machines in numerous gaming venues and casinos from which he is now banned, was sentenced today to 15 months in federal prison for counterfeiting $100 bills.
Louis “The Coin” Colavecchio, of Cranston, was arrested in December 2018, when a six-month U.S. Secret Service undercover investigation concluded with agents executing federally authorized search warrants and seizing from Colavecchio’s then Coventry residence $29,000 in counterfeit $100 bills, a mechanical printing press, images of $100 bills, a computer, and other counterfeiting materials.
Colavecchio pled guilty on March 19, 2019, to intent to defraud and possess counterfeit obligations.
According to court documents, prior to his arrest on December 7, 2018, Colavecchio boasted to others that he was already working on a defense should he be arrested again for counterfeiting. If caught, Colavecchio told others he would claim that he was working as a counterfeit deterrence specialist.
In addition to being convicted in 1997 and sentenced to 27-months in federal prison for counterfeiting casino tokens in a massive operation that targeted all of the Atlantic City casinos in New Jersey and the Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut, Colavecchio has since been convicted of larceny; of obtaining money under false pretenses, after he was caught stealing $100,000 from his 92-year-old aunt; resisting arrest; and for cultivating kilograms of marijuana.
According to court documents, in 2015, Colavecchio published an autobiography detailing his life of crime, including his self-described interaction and activities with the Patriarca Crime Family.
Colavecchio’s sentence, imposed by U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., is announced by United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service Stephen Marks.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gerard B. Sullivan.
United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and Special Agent in Charge Stephen Marks thank the Coventry and Pawtucket Police Departments for their assistance executing court-authorized search warrants in this matter.
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Armed Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced to Six Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Central Falls fentanyl street dealer who claimed he armed himself with a loaded firearm for “protection” was sentenced on Friday to 72 months in federal prison.
On at least three occasions in late January 2018, Dennis Rivera, 32, sold an individual varying amounts of fentanyl during a Central Falls Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) joint Project Safe Neighborhoods investigation into Rivera’s drug trafficking activities.
Rivera was arrested on February 3, 2018, as law enforcement executed a court-authorized search of his residence and seized, among other items, a loaded 22 caliber revolver, 11 grams of cocaine, 21 grams of fentanyl, and various items used in the packaging and distribution of drugs. Rivera told law enforcement that he kept the loaded gun for “protection.”
United States Attorney Aaron Weisman commented, “Selling fentanyl poisons our neighborhoods and puts drug users lives at risk. Having a gun ‘for protection’ puts everyone in the neighborhood at risk. The defendant’s six-year sentence should sound a warning to others that law enforcement and prosecutors will not tolerate drug dealers poisoning our neighborhoods, particularly armed drug dealers who put everyone’s life in danger.”
Rivera pleaded guilty on April 9, 2019, to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and two counts felon in possession of a firearm.
At the time of his arrest, Rivera was awaiting trial in Rhode Island state court on an unrelated firearm charge. Rivera was arrested by Central Falls Police in June 2017 following an altercation with another person. As officers approached the two men, Rivera stashed a semi-automatic pistol near the bumper of a nearby car, then quickly walked away. The firearm was retrieved by police and Rivera was found hiding in the bathroom of a stranger’s apartment nearby.
Additionally, Rivera had previously been convicted of drug trafficking in Massachusetts.
At sentencing, U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith sentenced River to 72 months in federal prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release.
Central Falls Police Chief Colonel Daniel J. Barzykowski commented, “We will continue to work with our local, state and federal partners to ensure offenders that poison our communities, like Rivera, are removed from the streets.”
Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Division of ATF Kelly D. Brady added, “ATF will continue to work with our local, state and federal law enforcement counterparts to vigorously combat drug traffickers and the threat they pose to our citizens by illegally possessing firearms in furtherance of their illegal drug trade.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ronald R. Gendron and Ly T. Chin.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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Providence Man Facing up to Life in Prison for Allegedly Trafficking Fentanyl and CocaineRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Providence man who allegedly sold nearly two kilograms of fentanyl and nearly 400 grams of heroin while under surveillance by members of the DEA Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force was indicted by a federal grand jury on Tuesday on fentanyl and heroin trafficking charges.
If convicted, Josimar Delacruz-Reyes, 31, faces up to life in federal prison.
Delacruz-Reyes was arrested by members of the DEA task force on March 18, 2019, as he allegedly attempted to collect a cash payment of $115,000, after allegedly delivering nearly two kilograms of fentanyl and 400 grams of heroin. The fentanyl and heroin was seized by law enforcement.
On Tuesday, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Delacruz-Reyes with possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England Field Division Brian D. Boyle.
According to information presented to the Court during Delacruz-Reyes’ initial appearance before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Patricia A. Sullivan on March 19, 2019, it is alleged that during mid and late February, DEA Task Force officers electronically monitored Delacruz-Reyes multiple times as he made deliveries of fentanyl. On March 18, 2019, DEA Task Force members electronically monitored Delacruz-Reyes as he allegedly delivered nearly two kilograms of fentanyl and approximately 400 grams of heroin for an agreed upon price of $115,000. Delacruz-Reyes was arrested shortly after the delivery, when he traveled to a nearby coffee shop where he was expecting to receive a cash payment for the drugs.
Each time members of the DEA task force monitored a delivery of drugs, the drugs were quickly seized by law enforcement.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
An arraignment date on the indictment has not been scheduled. Delacruz-Reyes has been detained in federal custody since his arrest and initial appearance in federal court in March.
Possession with intent to deliver 400 grams or more of fentanyl is punishable by statutory penalties of 10 years and up to life in federal prison; 5 years to lifetime supervised release; and a fine of up to $10,000,000. Possession with intent to deliver 100 grams or more of heroin is punishable by statutory penalties of 5 years and up to 40 years in federal prison; 4 years to lifetime supervised release; and a fine of up to $5,000,000.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul F. Daly, Jr.
The matter was investigated by the Boston-based DEA Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, with substantial assistance from law enforcement agents and officers assigned to the Rhode Island DEA Task Force and the Providence Police Department Narcotics and Organized Crime Bureau.
The Rhode Island DEA Drug Task Force is comprised of law enforcement personnel from DEA, Rhode Island State Police, and the East Providence, Central Falls, Coventry, Cranston, Newport, North Kingstown, Pawtucket, Providence, South Kingstown, Warwick, West Warwick and Woonsocket Police Departments.
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