District of Rhode Island
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Providence Man Admits Role in Cocaine Trafficking Conspiracy, Plot to Kidnap a U.S. Postal WorkerRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A Providence man pleaded guilty in federal court on Thursday to a charge of conspiracy to possess 500 grams or more of cocaine with the intent to distribute, at the same time admitting to a federal judge that conspiracy members kidnapped a U.S. Postal Service (USPS) worker at gunpoint while in search of cocaine they claimed was missing from a delivered package, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
According to information presented to the court, on June 8, 2021, Irving Medina participated in surveillance efforts so that co-conspirators could retrieve three packages containing cocaine that were mailed from Puerto Rico and were delivered or scheduled for delivery at addresses associated with his co-conspirator. The contents of those three packages were analyzed by a forensic chemist who determined that they contained a total of over 3 kilograms of cocaine.
In addition to admitting his role in the conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, Irving Medina admitted that he willfully assisted his co-conspirators in conducting surveillance outside of a USPS post office on May 28, 2021. On that date, co-conspirators allegedly identified a USPS mailman that they wanted to abduct. Irving Medina admitted to subsequently assisting co-conspirators in conducting surveillance outside the USPS mailman’s home on May 29, 2021.
As part of the investigation, on August 31, 2021, law enforcement executed a court-authorized search warrant at Irving Medina’s residence, and seized numerous items associated with drug trafficking, including $800 in cash, fifty bags filled with powder that a forensic lab determined to be fentanyl, three bags filled with cocaine base, and a cutting agent called Manitol.
Medina is scheduled to be sentenced on June 13, 2024. The defendant’s sentence will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine D. Lowell and Sandra R. Hebert.
The matter was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, with the assistance of Pawtucket Police, Rhode Island State Police Violent Fugitive Task Force, Rhode Island State Police K-9 Unit, and the Rhode Island High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force.
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- Pawtucket Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Failing to Register as a Sex Offender
Providence Man Sentenced for Possession of Stolen U.S. Mail, Violating the Terms of Federal Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A Providence man found to be in possession of nearly $200,000 in stolen and fraudulent checks while serving a term of federal supervised release for an unrelated bank fraud conviction was sentenced today to eighteen months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
On February 2, 2023, during his arrest on an unrelated state narcotics charge, Edmilson Rodrigues, 25, was found by Providence Police Detectives to be in possession of ninety-one legitimate checks totaling approximately $170,758.26 and eight fraudulent checks totaling approximately $22,838.01. Also seized was blank check-paper stock used for creating fraudulent checks and a printer.
The United States Postal Inspection Service determined that the legitimate checks seized from Rodrigues’ residence had been mailed out by various businesses but were never received by the intended recipients. Combined with the fraudulent checks, the intended loss totals $193,596.27.
At the time of his arrest on an unrelated state drug charge in February 2023, Rodrigues was serving a term of federal supervised release that followed a sentence of twenty-four months of incarceration imposed by a federal judge in September 2020, as a result of his conviction on bank fraud charges.
Rodrigues pleaded guilty in federal court on November 14, 2023, to a charge of possession of stolen mail. He was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith to eighteen months of incarceration to be followed by three years of federal supervised release. The Court ordered that Rodrigues serve the first three months of federal supervised release at a halfway house.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ly T. Chin
The matter was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Providence Police Department.
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Insurance Agent Charged in Alleged Scheme to Steal Clients Identities, File Fraudulent Insurance ApplicationsRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A North Attleboro, MA, self-employed insurance broker has been charged in federal court in Rhode Island with executing a scheme to obtain tens of thousands of dollars in commissions from an Iowa-based life insurance carrier by making unauthorized use of his clients’ personal identity information to sign them up for end-of-life insurance policies and draw money to pay for the unauthorized policies from their bank accounts, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
Bruno Francis Ragusa, 53, is charged by way of a federal criminal complaint with wire fraud, identity theft, and aggravated identity theft. He was released on unsecured bond following an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Providence on Tuesday. A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
It is alleged in documents filed with the court that Ragusa, through his North Attleboro-based company Atlantic Coast Senior Solutions, Inc., fraudulently obtained sales commissions by affixing the electronic signatures and other personal identity information of clients, without their knowledge or permission, on insurance policy applications and payment authorization forms for policies they did not request or authorize.
It is alleged that Ragusa utilized an online tool to submit approximately 206 policy applications to Great Western Insurance Company (GWIC), located in Des Moines, Iowa, from January 2019 to February 2023, of which an FBI review of records provided by Massachusetts insurance fraud investigators and GWIC determined that between December 5, 2022, and February 9, 2023, Ragusa electronically submitted nearly 150 insurance policy applications to GWIC, some just 15 minutes apart. The investigation revealed that some of the applications were being submitted in the names of people who had already passed away. Calls to the living “applicants” revealed that they did not know that policy applications had been submitted in their names and had not authorized Ragusa to submit the applications or payment authorization forms. Upon approval of an application, GWIC issues an advance commission to the agent responsible for the sale of the policy. The agent also receives an additional commission for each month a payment is received by GWIC and that the policy remains in effect. If a policy is cancelled shortly after being issued, the agent is required to return to GWIC the advance commission paid by the company. GWIC records show that Ragusa received $134,660.90 in advanced commission and $2,295.66 in additional commissions. Based on early policy cancellations, Ragusa owes GWIC $70,379.47.
On November 28, 2023, the Department of Business Regulation for the State of Rhode Island revoked Ragusa license to sell insurance in Rhode Island. Ragusa’s licenses to sell insurance in Massachusetts and Connecticut remain active.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Milind M. Shah.
The matter was investigated by the FBI. United States Attorney Cunha thanks the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts and the North Attleboro Police Department for their assistance.
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Georgia Woman Sentenced in Rhode Island for Role in Multi-Million Dollar Romance Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A Georgia woman who played a key role in a romance scam conspiracy that defrauded seniors in several states, including Rhode Island, out of at least $5.8 million has been sentenced in U.S. District Court in Rhode Island to nearly four years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
Syretta Scherer, 42, of Snellville, GA, pleaded guilty on April 28, 2023, to a charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering. She was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., on March 7, 2024, to 46 months of incarceration to be followed by two years of federal supervised release.
The Court found that that Scherer laundered nearly $1.1 million of the nearly $3 million in stolen proceeds laundered by members of the conspiracy during the time she was part of the conspiracy, money that was stolen primarily from widows through internet-based romance scams. To carry out the schemes, members of the conspiracy contacted victims using app-based communication platforms, then cultivated relationships of trust and convincing their victims that money was needed for various purposes, among them supposed serious medical issues. The scammers directed their victims to send money via mail or wire transfer to various persons and addresses. The money would be deposited into various accounts controlled by Scherer and others before being redirected elsewhere.
According to information presented to the court, in late 2017, in support of her fraudulent activity, Scherer created a sham company, Precise Carriers, that she used to open numerous bank accounts, at different banks, into which victim funds were deposited. Beginning in February 2018 and continuing into November 2019, Scherer used bank accounts in her name and in the name of the sham company to deposit and withdraw victim funds, often in a structured manner to avoid bank currency transaction requirements. On multiple dates, Scherer deposited victim funds at multiple bank branches on a single day so as to avoid questions about the amounts of the deposits and withdrawals. When some of the banks questioned her banking activity, and shut down an account into which victim funds had been deposited, Scherer opened another account. As part of the scheme, Scherer also recruited others, including her friends, to open bank accounts that she used to launder victim funds.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Denise M. Barton and John P. McAdams.
The matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Labor-Office of Inspector General, and U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration in Atlanta.
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Grandparent Scammer Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A New York City man who traveled to various U.S. locations, including Rhode Island, to pick-up thousands of dollars in cash provided by seniors who had become the unsuspecting victims of so called “grandparent scams,” has been sentenced to federal prison and ordered to repay scam victims more than three quarters of a million dollars, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
Jean Richard Audate, 38, was sentenced on Wednesday by U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith to 30 months of incarceration to be followed by three years of federal supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a total of $867,149 to victims of the scam. Audate pleaded guilty on February 24, 2023, to charges of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and mail fraud.
According to information presented to the court, in January 2021, New Haven, CT, Police began to receive reports from out-of-state police departments that elderly residents in their areas had been defrauded out of large amounts of money through a grandparent scam. A broader investigation by the New Haven Police and the FBI revealed that members of the conspiracy contacted elderly victims throughout the United States, including in Rhode Island, by telephone. Posing as the victim’s grandchild, a relative, a lawyer, or other individual, members of the conspiracy falsely told the victim that a relative, typically the victim’s grandchild or child, had been arrested or incarcerated in connection with a car accident, and that the relative needed money for bail or related legal expenses.
To conceal the crime and prevent victims from sharing information about the calls and requests for money, members of the conspiracy falsely told victims that a “gag order” was in place in their relative’s legal matter that prohibited the victim from sharing information with anyone else. In numerous instances, at the direction of others, Audate traveled to various locations where he retrieved the cash payments that, as directed by the scammers, had been shipped by the victims to designated addresses.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John P. McAdams.
United States Attorney Cunha thanks the Lincoln, RI, and Brookline, MA, Police Departments for their assistance in the investigation.
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Fifth Defendant Sentenced for Laundering Proceeds of Scams Targeting Elderly U.S. CitizensRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – The fifth and final foreign national convicted for laundering proceeds of a multi-faceted conspiracy, run out of Nigeria, that defrauded elderly U.S. citizens of more than $1.7 million through online scams has been sentenced to federal prison, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
Dotun Olawale Alonge, 47, of Providence, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., to 18 months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of federal supervised release. He pleaded guilty on September 12, 2023, to a charge of money laundering conspiracy.
Elderly individuals in several states, including Rhode Island, were befriended by scammers feigning romantic intentions through online social media platforms and dating sites. Scammers then used the relationships and trust they built to convince victims to provide them with money to assist with business ventures or personal debt.
Other victims were falsely told they had won a sweepstakes, but that upfront cash payments were required to release the funds to the winner; yet other victims were scammed by paying rent to individuals who purported to own property they in fact did not own or control.
“Foreign nationals who believe that Rhode Island seniors are easy prey for fraud schemes should think again,” said U.S. Attorney Cunha. “Preying on the emotions of vulnerable victims to gain access to their hard-earned savings is as despicable as it is devastating, and we and our law enforcement partners will work tirelessly to make sure that those responsible face justice.”
“These con men had no compunction about swindling elderly victims all over the country out of their hard-earned money and playing on their emotions to do so. What they did wasn’t just cowardly, it was cruel,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “There is no way we can make the victims of these schemes, many who have lost their life savings, whole again. Hopefully, they can find some solace in knowing these fraudsters are now spending time behind bars for their selfish, and disgraceful conduct. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will never stop working to shut down elder fraud schemes like this, to protect older folks from those who want take advantage of them. If you or someone you know has been victimized, please reach out to us.”
According to charging documents and information presented to the court, victims were instructed by scammers in Nigeria to wire cash to bank accounts or to mail payments in the form of cash or money orders to various mailing addresses in Rhode Island controlled by the defendant. To conceal the source and location of the funds, members of the conspiracy moved the money through multiple banks and businesses in Rhode Island, Idaho, and elsewhere. The majority of the proceeds were eventually sent on to Nigeria. Members of the conspiracy also used some of the money to purchase vehicles that were shipped to Nigeria.
Olabode Shaba, 36, formerly of North Providence; Dotun Olawale Oladipupu Shodipo, 44, of Providence; Samson Ikotun, 36, formerly of East Providence; and Oluwaseyi Akintola, 38, formerly of Moscow, Idaho, were previously convicted and sentenced to terms of incarceration in federal prison that range between time served (dating back to their arrest and detention) to 42 months. Each defendant has been ordered to pay approximately $455,750 in restitution joint and several with each other to individuals identified by the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to be victims of the scams and who have requested repayment of their losses.
Several of the defendants are facing deportation proceedings after completion of their terms of incarceration.
An arrest warrant has been issued for a sixth defendant, Adetunji Abudu, 38, who is a fugitive from justice.
The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John P. McAdams and Denise M. Barton.
The matter was investigated by the FBI and the United States Postal Inspection Service.
United States Attorney Cunha thanks United States Customs and Border Patrol; United States Secret Service; Rhode Island State Police; Providence, North Providence, East Providence, and Johnston, RI, Police Departments; Seekonk, Newton, Norfolk, and Hull, MA, Police Departments; New York State Police; Murphysboro, IL, Police Department; Greybull, WY, Police Department; Grand Island, NE, Police Department; Boca Raton, FL, Police Department; Lake County, FL, Sheriff’s Office; Brecknock Township, PA, Police Department; East Ridge, TN, Police Department; and San Angelo, TX, Police Department for their assistance in this investigation.
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Cranston Man Sentenced for Role in Conspiracy to Ship Cocaine into Rhode IslandRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A Cranston man has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy that shipped upwards of 100 kilograms of cocaine into Rhode Island from Puerto Rico, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
Hector G. Rios pleaded guilty on May 9, 2023, to a charge of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine. He was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith to 24 months of incarceration to be followed by three years of federal supervised release.
At the time of his guilty plea, Rios admitted to a federal judge that, on behalf of leaders of a drug trafficking organization, he accepted multiple packages containing kilos of cocaine shipped to his residence from Puerto Rico, which in turn he delivered to leaders of the organization.
According to court documents, between December 2019 and July 2020, Rios received packages shipped through the U.S. Postal Service containing a total of at least five kilos of cocaine.
The United States Postal Inspection Service determined that, at the direction of members of the drug trafficking operation, over sixty Priority Mail packages containing one or more kilograms of cocaine were shipped from different post offices in Puerto Rico to various addresses in Woonsocket, RI.
The matter was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Rhode Island High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine D. Lowell, Denise M. Barton and Stacey A. Erickson.
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Brazilian National Sentenced, Faces Deportation in Scheme That Defrauded a National Retailer of Nearly $300,000Read the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A former West Hartford, CT, resident who, for more than eight months prior to his arrest and detention nearly two years ago, operated a scheme in several states, from Maine to Rhode Island to Maryland, to steal and return merchandise to Home Depot, amassing and spending nearly $300,000 in store credit, has been sentenced to time served, ordered to pay full restitution, and faces deportation proceedings, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
Alexandre Henrique Costa-Mota, 27, a Brazilian national, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Rhode Island on November 9, 2023, to charges of wire fraud and conspiracy. He was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr. to time served, three years of federal supervised release, and to pay restitution to Home Depot in the amount of $297,332.
Mr. Costa-Mota will be turned over to Immigration and Custom Enforcement to face deportation proceedings.
According to court documents and information presented to the court, on at least 60 occasions spread over approximately eight months from mid-2021 to early 2022, Costa-Mota stole merchandise from the retailer then returned the merchandise for store credit. He amassed – and spent - $297,332 in store credit. He executed the scheme at no less than 40 different store locations. To evade detection, he used fake driver licenses for identification purposes.
The case was prosecuted in U.S. District Court in Rhode Island by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dulce Donovan and Milind M. Shah.
The matter was investigated by the United States Secret Service.
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Rhode Island Man Charged with Maliciously Damaging Shiloh Gospel TempleRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A Rhode Island man is in federal custody after being charged by way of a federal criminal complaint with maliciously damaging or destroying by means of fire or explosion any building or other real property. These charges are brought as the result of an ongoing investigation into multiple fires set around the exterior of Shiloh Gospel Temple in North Providence, RI, on February 11, 2024, announced Zachary A. Cunha, United States Attorney for the District of Rhode Island.
Kevin Colantonio, 34, of North Providence, RI, was arrested at his home today without incident by agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, working with members of the North Providence, RI, Police Department and the Rhode Island State Fire Marshal’s Office. He was ordered detained in federal custody following his initial appearance in U.S. District Court.
According to documents filed in U.S. District Court in Providence, and in remarks presented by U.S. Attorney Zachary Cunha at a news conference following the court proceedings, it is alleged that Colantonio set several fires around the exterior of Shiloh Gospel Temple shortly after midnight on February 11, 2024. The building was vacant at the time. The fire was quickly extinguished by members of the North Providence Police and Fire Departments. No injuries were reported.
The United States Attorney’s Office sought a criminal complaint late on Wednesday, based on an ongoing, multi-agency investigation that, to date, has included a review of numerous videos, witness interviews, and physical evidence collected and analyzed by investigators. The investigation is continuing.
A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter I. Roklan.
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u.s._attorney_cunha_press_conference_remarks.pdf affidavit.pdfProvidence Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Trafficking Meth and FentanylRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A Providence man with a lengthy criminal history, to include more than a dozen convictions for a wide variety of offenses, including breaking and entering, drug trafficking, domestic violence, forgery and counterfeiting, larceny, armed bank robbery, and carrying a concealed weapon, was sentenced today to five years in federal prison for trafficking more than a pound of methamphetamine and more than 60 grams of fentanyl, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
John Walker, 61, pleaded guilty on June 13, 2023, to charges of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. He was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., to 60 months in federal prison to be followed by five years of federal supervised release.
During an investigation into Walker’s suspected drug trafficking activities in March 2022, members of the Rhode Island DEA Drug Task Force observed Walker provide another individual with a sample of methamphetamine. Later that same day the individual arranged for the purchase of meth from Walker. When approached by a DEA Task Force officer, Walker admitted that he had meth on his person and that he had additional drugs stored at a drug den that he frequently visited. Members of the DEA Task Force seized 59 grams of meth and $5,902 in cash from Walker’s person and 449 grams of methamphetamine and 64 grams of fentanyl stashed by Walker at the Providence drug den.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney G. Michael Seaman.
The Rhode Island DEA Drug Task Force is comprised of personnel from the DEA; Rhode Island State Police; the Cranston, Middletown, Newport, Pawtucket, Providence, Warwick, Woonsocket, Amtrak Police Departments.
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Wyatt Detention Center Detainee Sentenced for Arranging Deliveries of Synthetic Cannabinoid to the Detention FacilityRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A Connecticut man detained at the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility while awaiting sentencing on a criminal matter prosecuted in the District of Connecticut was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Providence to two years of incarceration for arranging to have papers soaked with a synthetic cannabinoid shipped to the detention facility, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
Registered Sex Offender Sentenced to Federal Prison for Distribution and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A registered sex offender who admitted to a federal judge that he possessed and distributed child pornography while serving a term of state probation imposed as the result of a previous conviction on an unrelated state charge of solicitation of a child has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
Robert H. King, 39, pleaded guilty in federal court on October 31, 2023, to charges of distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography. He was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith to 108 months of incarceration to be followed by 15 years of federal supervised release.
In December 2019, ten months after being convicted and sentenced in Rhode Island state court for solicitation of a minor, King uploaded an image of child pornography to a social media account that he controlled. Additionally, further investigation by the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force determined that multiple images of child pornography had been uploaded from an IP address located in Rhode Island, determined to be utilized by King, to various internet-based social media platforms.
A forensic audit of a cellular phone seized from King in March 2020 revealed approximately 135 images of child pornography.
The case in U.S. District Court was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald R. Gendron.
The matter was investigated by the ICAC Task Force, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations.
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Providence Man Sentenced for Assaulting a Postal Service CarrierRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A federal judge on Wednesday imposed a nearly two-year term of incarceration on a Providence man who admitted to assaulting a U.S. Postal Service employee in November 2021, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
Branley Ferreras-Severino, 23, who has been detained in state custody since his arrest on unrelated state drug trafficking charges on January 6, 2022, pleaded guilty on August 23, 2023, to a charge of assault of a U.S. Postal Service carrier. He was sentenced on Wednesday to 21 months of incarceration, and three years of federal supervised release.
Ferreras-Severino previously admitted to the court that he was the driver of a vehicle that had stopped on a narrow South Providence street that was only wide enough to allow one vehicle to pass at a time. As a postal driver maneuvered a mail delivery truck past Ferreras-Severino’s BMW, the postman smiled at the car’s driver in acknowledgement of the brief awkwardness. A short time later, when the letter carrier returned to his truck after delivering a package, he was met by Ferreras-Severino who uttered, “You think it’s funny? You almost hit me. You wanna get popped?” He then struck the letter carrier with his fists.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ly T. Chin.
The matter was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service.
United States Attorney Cunha acknowledges the Rhode Island High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force for their assistance in the investigation of this matter.
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Honduran National Previously Deported Three Times Admits to Illegal Reentry, Social Security FraudRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A Honduran national who repeatedly entered the United States illegally and was removed in 2007, 2018, and October 2019, admitted to a federal judge today in Providence that he had entered the United States illegally for a fourth time prior to his most recent arrest in Providence in January 2023, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
At the time of his arrest in Providence, Belfran Joel Najera-Chirinos, 42, was employed by a local shipbuilder, working under the name of and using the Social Security of another individual. When arrested, Najera-Chirinos provided law enforcement with yet a different name, and produced a Puerto Rican driver’s license in the name of that person.
Najera-Chirinos today pleaded guilty to charges of illegal reentry after deportation and Social Security fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 16, 2024. The defendant’s sentences will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ronald R. Gendron.
The matter was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations and the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General/Office of Investigations.
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Cranston Man Admits to Producing and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Cranston man admitted to a federal judge today that he produced and possessed images and videos of child pornography, including some that he produced involving a girl who was under ten years old, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
Gregory Phillips, 42, pleaded guilty today to federal charges of production of child pornography and possession of child pornography. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 7, 2024. The defendant’s sentence will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Philips admitted to the court that in late 2021 and early 2022, he produced sexually explicit images and videos involving a minor female, and that he stored those and other images and videos of child sexual abuse on a storage cloud that he controlled.
Philips first came to the attention of law enforcement when members of the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force reviewed a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) indicating that an individual in Rhode Island possessed and transferred child pornography. Further investigation by the ICAC Task Force and a Cranston Police Detective determined that the images and videos were being transferred from an account linked to Philips’s phone number.
A forensic review of images and videos located on cellphones seized from Philips by law enforcement resulted in the discovery of a total of 109 images and 15 videos of child pornography, some containing images of Philips and various household items and locations within Philips’s residence.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lee H. Vilker.
The matter was investigated by the ICAC Task Force and Cranston Police, with the assistance of Homeland Security. United States Attorney Cunha extends his thanks to the Cranston Police Department for its support and assistance in this matter.
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Chinese National Sentenced for Role in International Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A Chinese national who overstayed a student visa was sentenced by a federal judge in Providence today to time served –effectively a period of seven months-- for participating in an international fraud ring that targeted individuals in several states, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
Fangzhou Qian, 29, pleaded guilty on November 15, 2023, to a charge of conspiracy to commit offenses against the United States. Qian was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., to time served and one year of federal supervised release.
Qian has been detained in federal custody since making an initial appearance in U.S. District Court on June 30, 2023.
According to information presented to the court, operating at the direction of others, including individuals in China, Qian acted as a courier to collect cash from fraud victims. Members of the conspiracy targeted individuals in several states, including Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire, and New Jersey. At the time of Qian’s arrest by Portsmouth, RI, police, Qian was found to be in possession of more than 2,000 gift cards from various stores in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney G. Michael Seaman.
The matter was investigated by the Portsmouth Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations.
Kevin Love Hubbard Appointed as Civil Division ChiefRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Cunha announced today that he has appointed Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Love Hubbard to serve as Chief of the Office’s Civil Division, overseeing a complex and growing practice that represents the interests of the United States in litigation in the federal District Courts as well as on appeal. The Division’s work encompasses affirmative civil cases and investigations, in which the government sues to address fraud, recover federal funds, and enforce a variety of other statutes; defensive litigation, in which the United States represents the government and its agencies and employees in suits filed in federal court; and civil rights, as well as a number of other non-criminal areas of focus that defend the public interest and enforce federal law.
Mr. Hubbard joined the United States Attorney’s Office in 2021; at the time, he was a partner in the law firm of Medina Orthwein. Earlier in his career, Mr. Hubbard served as a law clerk to the Honorable Neil Wake of the United States District Court for the District of Arizona, and held litigation roles with two nationally prominent law firms. He is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University and Yale Law School. He succeeds Bethany N. Wong, who has served as civil Chief for the past two years, overseeing substantial growth and expansion in the Office’s already thriving civil practice, particularly in the area of affirmative litigation; Ms. Wong will continue to focus on those critical and significant matters by serving as the office’s Affirmative Civil Enforcement Coordinator.
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Former Fall River Man Sentenced to Thirty -Two Months in Prison for Role in Nationwide Identity Theft Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A former Fall River resident was sentenced today in federal court in Boston in connection with a nationwide conspiracy to open fraudulent driver accounts with rideshare and delivery service companies.
Caio Felipe Oliveira Dos Santos, 27, of Brazil, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to 32 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. In October 2023, Dos Santos pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.
From approximately January 2019 until April 2021, Dos Santos and others conspired to use stolen identities and/or falsified documents to open fraudulent driver accounts and/or rent or sell those accounts to individual drivers who might not otherwise qualify to drive for the rideshare or delivery services. Co-conspirators exploited referral bonus programs offered by the rideshare and delivery companies and used “bots” and GPS “spoofing” technology to increase the income earned from the companies. As a result of the scheme, Internal Revenue Service Forms 1099 were generated in victims’ names for income co-conspirators earned from the rideshare and delivery companies.
Dos Santos and his co-conspirators also used victims’ identifiers to apply for driver accounts with the rideshare and delivery companies, enabling Dos Santos and his co-conspirators to pass those companies’ required background checks and create driver accounts in victims’ names. At times, co-conspirators edited victims’ driver’s license images to display photos of the drivers renting or buying the fraudulent accounts in order to circumvent facial recognition technology that the rideshare and delivery companies used as a security measure. Dos Santos and his co-conspirators obtained victims’ names, dates of birth, driver’s license information, and/or Social Security numbers from co-conspirators and other sources, including sites on the Dark Net. They also obtained driver’s license images directly from victims, by photographing victims’ licenses while completing an alcohol delivery through one of the services.
Eighteen co-conspirators were indicted in connection with the scheme in May 2021. Fifteen of those defendants have been arrested, while three remain at large. Of those arrested, 14 have been convicted and sentenced. If you believe that you may be a victim of the allegations in this case, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/victim-and-witness-assistance-program/us-v-wemerson-dutra-aguiar-and-us-v-priscila-barbosa-et-al.
United States Attorney Zachary Cunha and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by Massachusetts State Police; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; National Crime Insurance Bureau; and the Concord, Lexington, Plymouth, Wilmington, Marlborough and Village of Rye Brook (N.Y.) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristen A. Kearney and David M. Holcomb of the District of Massachusetts Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
Mr. Cunha was assigned to oversee this matter by the Department of Justice upon recusal of the U.S Attorney for the District of Massachusetts.
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California Woman Admits to Trafficking Methamphetamine in Rhode IslandRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A California woman today admitted to a federal judge in Providence, RI, that she participated in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Rhode Island and that in June of 2022, she distributed over three pounds of crystal methamphetamine and was in possession of over two- and one-half pounds of crystal methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
Nora Cecilia Carranza Reyes, 52, pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and a charge of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to information presented to the court, in June 2022, while under law enforcement surveillance, Carranza Reyes and another individual delivered a brown paper bag, later determined by law enforcement to contained over three pounds of crystal methamphetamine, to an individual who traveled to Rhode Island from Maine to retrieve the package. The delivery and pick-up of the meth was allegedly arranged by an individual who, at the time, was incarcerated at a correctional facility in Maine. The drugs were seized in Maine during a traffic stop for a routine traffic violation.
Court-authorized search warrants were executed for Carranza Reyes, a motor vehicle, and the Cranston residence where Carranza Reyes was staying. Upon executing the warrants, law enforcement officers also searched Carranza Reyes’ own motor vehicle where they discovered over two- and one-half pounds of methamphetamine stashed inside a duffel bag. The vehicle also contained a sophisticated hide within the engine compartment of the vehicle.
Carranza Reyes, a Mexican national, is scheduled to be sentenced on May 2, 2024. The defendant’s sentences will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey A. Erickson.
The matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
United States Attorney Cunha thanks the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine for their assistance in this matter.
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Agreement with Greater Providence YMCA Resolves Allegations of Disability DiscriminationRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI –The United States has reached an agreement with the Greater Providence YMCA (“YMCA”) to resolve allegations that the organization violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) by denying a child the opportunity to participate in its Camp Fuller summer program because of his disability, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
The settlement resolves a complaint filed by the parent of a child with cystic fibrosis, alleging that the YMCA refused to make a reasonable modification of its medication administration policy so that her child could attend Camp Fuller.
The United States’ investigation determined that the parent had enrolled her child at Camp Fuller, administered by YMCA, in the summer of 2022. At that time, the parent informed YMCA that her son needed to take pancreatic enzyme supplements before every meal, as treatment for his cystic fibrosis, and requested that he be permitted to self-administer the enzyme supplements. The staff at YMCA allowed the accommodation and the child attended Camp Fuller.
In the summer of 2023, the parent re-enrolled her child at Camp Fuller, and made the same accommodation request. However, unlike the summer of 2022, the YMCA did not allow the child to self-administer his medication, purportedly on the basis of a medication administration policy that it refused to modify. As a result, the child, as well as his brother, were unable to attend Camp Fuller.
Under the terms of the settlement agreement, YMCA will take certain remedial measures, including:
- Training its staff on the requirements ADA;
- Evaluating accommodation requests for children applying to attend the camp on a case-by-case basis, and making reasonable modifications to permit children with disabilities to attend;
- Adopting a non-discrimination policy;
- Paying $10,000 in compensation to the complainant and allowing her son to attend Camp Fuller for all summers in which he is eligible; and,
- Report to the United States Attorney’s Office on its compliance annually for two years.
This is the third settlement agreement that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has entered into with a camp regarding violations of the ADA. Under the ADA, summer camps, whether private or run by municipalities, must afford reasonable modifications to ensure that children with disabilities can participate fully in camp programs and activities. Camps must evaluate each child on an individual basis and train their staff in the requirements of the ADA. When a parent and a child’s physician determine that it is appropriate for a child to self-administer medication or for a trained layperson to assist a child with care, a camp or childcare program must provide this as a reasonable modification under the ADA, unless doing so would fundamentally alter the program.
The United States’ case was handled by AUSA Amy Romero.
For more information on the ADA, visit www.ada.gov or call the Justice Department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TDD). Any member of the public who wishes to file a complaint alleging that a place of public accommodation or public entity in Rhode Island is not accessible to persons with disabilities may contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (401) 709-5010.
Attachment:
doj_ymca_ada_settlement_agreement.pdf###
U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects Nearly Seven Million Dollars in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2023Read the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI - U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Cunha announced today that the District of Rhode Island collected $6,952,328.06 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2023. Of this amount, $3,275,794.48 was collected in criminal actions and $3,676,533.58 was collected in civil actions.
Additionally, the United States Attorney’s Office in Rhode Island worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $652,429. in cases pursued jointly by these offices. Of this amount, $2,429,19 was collected in criminal actions and $$650,000 was collected in civil actions.
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s office in Rhode Island, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $1,572,686 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2023. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
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Providence Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal Prison for Enticing Minor Children to Engage in Illicit Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A Providence man who admittedly coerced a 10-year-old Utah girl and more than a dozen other minor females to engage in sexually explicit conduct while he recorded their actions via a live internet link that he provided to them has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha
According to information presented to the court, Akinola Akinlapa, 23, engaged in online communications with approximately 75 minor females, some of whom had not yet reached puberty, in a similar fashion, coercing 15 of them to disrobe and to perform sexual acts while he watched and recorded them.
“This case is a sobering reminder of the ways in which technology enables predators to abuse their victims and inflict harm, even over great distances,” remarked U.S. Attorney Cunha. “Thanks to the bravery of one young girl, and the diligent work of our law enforcement partners, this defendant will be held accountable for his repeated, persistent and abhorrent efforts to victimize young children for his own gratification.”
“What Akinola Akinlapa did -- in sexually exploiting dozens of children-- was cruel and disgraceful, and with this sentence, this predator will not be able to harm any more children for quite some time,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “This case is a prime example of how children can be victimized in the safety of their own homes and underscores the importance of talking to kids about the dangers of the internet. Parents, caregivers, and educators, please make it clear to your kids that they are not to blame if they fall victim and please report these incidents, so the FBI and our law enforcement partners can bring the perpetrators of these crimes to justice.”
According to charging documents and information presented to the court, Akinlapa engaged the Utah girl in online communications and text messages, and provided her with a video conferencing link, promising credits for use on an online gaming platform. Once connected, Akinlapa, who hid his face from view, but who could see and hear the young girl, told her that because of their communications he now had her IP address and other personal information. Akinlapa threatened to share the information on the internet if she did not disrobe and perform a sex act. The young girl feigned performing the sex act, and courageously reported the incident to her mother, who in turn contacted the West Valley City, Utah Police Department. West Valley City Police and FBI agents in Salt Lake City and in Providence identified an IP address at Akinlapa’s Providence residence as being the source of communications with the 10-year-old Utah girl. Akinlapa’s pattern of coercion with the 14 other girls was similar.
According to information presented to the court, on June 2, 2020, members of the Providence FBI Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force executed a court-authorized search of computers and smart phones belonging to Akinlapa. A forensic review revealed evidence that Akinlapa had victimized the Utah girl and 14 other young girls, and had attempted to do the same with approximately 60 other minor girls, but was unsuccessful. Images and videos of minors engaged in illicit sexual activity recorded by Akinlapa were found on his phone.
Akinlapa pleaded guilty on June 15, 2022, to charges of enticement of a minor to engage in illicit sexual activity and possession of child pornography. He was sentenced on January 11, 2024, to 120 months of incarceration to be followed by eight years of federal supervised release.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Milind M. Shah.
For more information on sextortion and financial sextortion, visit the FBI’s resources on the threats at: https://www.fbi.gov/sextortion and https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/sextortion/financially-motivated-sextortion.
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Providence Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Providence man found to be in possession of more than two thousand images of child sexual abuse has been sentenced to eighteen months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Zachary A, Cunha.
In April 2019, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children notified law enforcement that Google had provided information that a Google account had been used to upload and store approximately 300 videos and images of minors, including prepubescent minors, engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Upon further investigation, members of the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations determined that the account belonged to belonging to Juan C. Funes, 24, of Providence.
As part of their investigation, members of law enforcement executed a court-authorized search of Funes’s residence on June 4, 2019, and discovered approximately 2,000 additional images of child sexual abuse on Funes’ cell phone.
Funes pleaded guilty previously to a charge of possession of child pornography. He was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith to eighteen months of incarceration to be followed by eight years of federal supervised release.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Milind M. Shah and John P. McAdams.
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Indiana Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Victimizing 96-Year-Old Rhode Islander Through an Online Romance ScamRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – An Indiana woman who perpetrated an online romance scam that defrauded a 96-year-old Rhode Island widower out of nearly $80,000 has been sentenced to three years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
Brittany Rakia Shawnai Lasley, 34, of Anderson, IN, previously admitted to a federal judge that she created a social media account containing fake profile information on the dating site “Plenty of Fish.” When contacted by the Rhode Island widower, she promptly began a campaign to persuade the victim to provide her with money, credit cards, gift cards, and his personal identifying information. She led the victim to believe that providing her with these items would facilitate meetings between the two and foster a romantic relationship. During the scheme, Lasley fraudulently obtained access to the victim’s checking account and credit cards and made numerous unauthorized purchases.
During Wednesday’s sentencing hearing, a federal prosecutor quoted from a victim impact statement submitted to the court by the 96-year-old victim, who wrote that he “ was in shock and disbelief. It took me a few days to comprehend what had happened. I was embarrassed, horrified, and distressed about my financial situation, fearing that I could lose the house I had lived in since 1970.
“This defendant preyed on a vulnerable, elderly Rhode Islander, dangling the promise of love and companionship in an attempt to help herself to her victim’s hard-earned savings,” remarked U.S. Attorney Cunha. “With this sentence, it is Ms. Lasley who will deservedly pay the price for her appalling conduct. I commend the exceptional work of this team of law enforcement professionals- state, federal, and local, for bringing this defendant to justice.”
“There is no worse predator than one who preys on the vulnerable. In this case, Ms. Lasley targeted lonely seniors to satisfy her own greed. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is proud to stand with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to protect the vulnerable members of our community and to bring to justice those who would victimize them.” Inspector in Charge Ketty D. Larco-Ward, United States Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division.
Lasley pleaded guilty on September 6, 2023, to a charge of wire fraud. She was sentenced on Wednesday by U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith to 36 months of incarceration to be followed by three years of federal supervised release, the first six months to be served in a residential reentry facility.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Paul F. Daly, Jr., and Peter I Roklan.
The matter was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service.
United States Attorney Cunha thanks the Coventry, RI, Police Department; Anderson, IN, Police Department; Indiana State Police; United States Marshals Service; and the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General for their assistance in the investigation of this matter.
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Scituate Man Sentenced to Ten years in Federal Prison for Possession of Child Pornography Following Earlier Federal Conviction for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A North Scituate man, convicted in May 2009 and incarcerated in federal prison for possessing and distributing child pornography, has been sentenced to serve a further 10 years in federal prison for being in possession of child pornography after completing his previous sentence and while serving a term of federal supervised release, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
Based on information received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in April of 2002, the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force identified an IP address, assigned to a business located on the ground floor of a multi-residence building in North Scituate, as having accessed child pornography. Further investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and Federal Probation officers successfully identified Brian Murphy, 54, a resident of the building, as having accessed child pornography using the business’ Wi-Fi. s. Murphy ultimately admitted to a federal judge that he used the Wi-Fi service and possessed child pornography.
He was sentenced on Tuesday by U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith to a term of 120 months of incarceration in federal prison, to be followed by 10 years of federal supervised release.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Milind M. Shah.
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Convicted Felon is Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing Fourteen FirearmsRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A convicted felon who leaped into the Providence River in an effort to evade arrest in February 2022, shortly after members of the East Providence Police Department Special Investigations Unit (SIU) watched him place a suitcase containing fourteen firearms in the trunk of a vehicle, was sentenced today to six-and-half years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
According to information presented to the court, on February 17, 2022, SIU surveillance observed James Darosa, 30, exit an East Providence residence and place the gun-laden suitcase in the trunk of a rideshare vehicle, and then board the vehicle as a passenger. A short time later, East Providence Police initiated a traffic stop of the vehicle.
As officers approached, Darosa got out of the rear passenger door and jumped off a bridge into the Providence River. With assistance from Providence Police and Rhode Island State Police, Darosa was located along the shoreline and arrested. The suitcase that Darosa had placed in the trunk of the vehicle was found to contain fourteen guns - thirteen handguns, four of which were reported stolen and one of which had an obliterated serial number, and one semi-automatic rifle.
On January 5, 2023, Darosa pleaded guilty to a federal charge of being a felon in possession of firearms. He was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith to a total of 78 months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of federal supervised release.
The case in U.S. District Court in Providence was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney G. Michael Seaman.
United States Attorney Cunha thanks the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Providence Police Department, and the Rhode Island State Police for their investigation and assistance in this matter.
This case was being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, 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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ADA Agreement Ensures Effective Communication with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Patients at Kent HospitalRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha today announced a settlement agreement under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with Kent Hospital, an affiliate of Care New England Health System, to resolve a complaint brought by an individual who is deaf and uses American Sign Language (ASL) as her primary means of communication.
The complainant was hospitalized at Kent Hospital in December 2021, and alleged that Kent Hospital failed to provide her with effective communication until the seventh day of her hospitalization, after multiple complaints by herself and a family member.
Because of Kent Hospital’s failure to provide an interpreter or other means of effective communication, the patient alleged that she experienced increased fear and confusion about her medical diagnosis and treatment. Kent Hospital cooperated fully with the investigation of this matter, which substantiated the allegations in the complaint.
Under the terms of the agreement, Kent Hospital will adopt new ADA policies and practices that will deal with providing effective communication and securing qualified interpreters for patients; train its staff on these policies; report any future complaints; and cooperate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to ensure ongoing compliance with the terms of the settlement agreement. Additionally, Kent Hospital will pay $30,000 to the complainant and a $5,000 penalty.
Title III of the ADA prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in places of public accommodations, such as hospitals. It requires places of public accommodation to provide the necessary auxiliary aids and services to ensure that communication is effective. Such aids and services can include American Sign Language interpreters for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and must be paid for by the place of public accommodation.
The United States’ case was handled by AUSA Amy Romero.
The Department of Justice offers a number of publications available to assist entities in complying with the ADA, including Effective Communication and a Business Brief on Communicating with People Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing in Hospital Settings. For more information on the ADA and to access these publications, visit www.ada.gov or call the Justice Department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TDD).
Any member of the public who wishes to file a complaint alleging that a place of public accommodation or public entity in Rhode Island is not accessible to persons with disabilities may contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (401) 709-5000.
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kent_hospital_ada_settlement_agreement_.pdfFederal Grand Jury Indicts Four in Alleged Multi-State Burglary Ring Targeting Primarily Individuals of Asian DescentRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A federal grand jury has indicted four individuals for their alleged roles in a sweeping, multi-state burglary ring that primarily targeted residents of Asian descent, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
The indictment alleges that members of the conspiracy: Mohammed Islam, 29, of Stamford, CT; Jorge Andres Cardenas Murillo, 30, of College Point, NY; Yoel Andres Barrera Garrido, 20, of Woodside, NY; and Tania Valentina Espitia Cuellar, 24, address presently unknown, collectively identified and surveilled individuals, typically of Asian descent at the victim’s residences and businesses, which included Asian restaurants and nail salons, and then executed well-planned burglaries at homes in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Wisconsin, and Florida, typically targeting large sums of money, jewelry, credit and debit cards, and other valuable items.
It is alleged that in one such burglary, members of the conspiracy burglarized a home in Jacksonville, FL, and stole approximately $500,000 worth of property and cash, as well as numerous debit and credit cards.
As alleged in charging documents, members of the conspiracy used sophisticated means to carry out their scheme. In addition to surveilling individuals, the conspirators are alleged to have used drones and GPS trackers placed on vehicles to monitor victim’s movement and identify times when they were away from their residences. They are also alleged to have used drones and lookouts to monitor law enforcement activity, and to have had a getaway car and driver at the ready while other conspirators broke into and burglarized the residences.
Mohammed Islam, Jorge Andres Cardenas Murillo, Yoel Andres Barrera Garrido, and Tania Valentina Espitia Cuellar are each charged by way of indictment with conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property. Islam, Cardenas Murillo, and Barrera Garrido are also charged with two counts of attempt to commit interstate transportation of stolen property, and Islam is charged with a fourth count of interstate transportation of property taken by fraud. A federal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ly T. Chin and Julianne L. Klein.
The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the Warwick and Smithfield, RI Police Departments; Shrewsbury and Framingham, MA Police Departments; Gorham, NH Police Department; Stamford, Wallingford, and Westport, CT Police Departments; West Allis, WI Police Department; New Castle County, DE Police Department; Manalapan, NJ Police Department; New York City Police Department; Jacksonville and Flagler County Police Departments; Massachusetts State Police; Pennsylvania State Police; and the United States Postal Inspection Service.
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indictment.pdfProvidence Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing More than Forty Grams of FentanylRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A 31-year-old Providence man was sentenced today to five years and 1 day in federal prison for possessing more than 40 grams of fentanyl and a firearm less than a week after he pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
According to charging documents, Mason A. Nieves was convicted in February 2021 of participating in a conspiracy that distributed significantly more than 60,000 units of steroids. Less than a week later, a court-authorized search of Nieves’ residence conducted by members of the Rhode Island State Police High Intensity Drug Area (HIDTA) Task Force found Nieves in possession of 251 grams of fentanyl. The search also recovered drug packaging materials; a loaded firearm located under Nieves’ bed; and $1,591 in cash.
Nieves pleaded guilty on February 15, 2023, to a charge of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. He was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., to 60 months and one day of incarceration to be followed by four years of federal supervised release.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Christine D. Lowell and G. Michael Seaman.
Together with Department of Homeland Security, Rhode Island State Police, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Mansfield Police Department and North Attleboro Police Departments in Massachusetts, this case was investigated and prosecuted in federal court as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Company President, Two Rhode Island Trucking Companies Sentenced in Federal Court for Conspiring to Violate the Clean Air ActRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – The owner and President of a North Kingstown-based trucking company and his two corporations were sentenced in federal court in Providence, RI, today for conspiring together with trucking and diesel vehicle sales and service companies throughout the United States and with a foreign national to violate the Clean Air Act by selling and providing a software program that tampered with on-board vehicle computers in order to alter or bypass key features in emission control systems.
United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha announced today that, having previously pled guilty to a charge of conspiracy to violate the Clean Air Act, United States District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy today ordered Michael J. Collins to serve a term of three years of probation; to perform 100 hours of community service; pay a fine $50,000; and to create a compliance and ethics program and to notify his employees and stockholders of said program.
Additionally, District Court Judge McElroy placed each of Collins’ corporations on probation for three years and ordered each corporation provide a payment of $125,000 to the Rhode Island Environmental Recovery Fund.
Under the federal Clean Air Act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established standards that limit the emission of air pollutants from various types of vehicle engines. To meet those standards, vehicle manufacturers design and install certain hardware components as part of the systems that manage and treat engine exhaust to reduce multiple types of pollution.
For nearly five years, beginning in September 2014, Michael J. Collins, his North Kingstown company M&D Transportation, Inc.; his now-defunct computer company Diesel Tune-Ups of RI, Inc.; various trucking and diesel vehicle sales and repair companies throughout the United States; and a foreign national all conspired to alter or disable certain functions of the Electronic Control Modules (ECM) and On Board Diagnostic (OBD) monitoring systems of heavy-duty diesel vehicles such as semi-trucks or “big rigs.” These alterations are referred to in the industry as “tunes.”
At the time of Collins’ guilty plea in April, United States Attorney Cunha commented, “Our environmental laws are here to protect the clean air that every Rhode Islander deserves to breathe. When companies choose to ignore those laws and put profit over their legal duties, and spew diesel soot and contaminants across Rhode Island and New England in the process, this Office will hold them to account.”
Tyler Amon, Special Agent in Charge for EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division for New England added, “Tampering with diesel vehicles by installing defeat devices increases emissions of smog and soot, both of which contribute to serious health problems that often disproportionately affect families, especially children, living in underserved communities. Placing profit over public health in Rhode Island has clear accountability.”
Collins previously admitted to the court that for nearly five years, beginning in September 2014, he and his North Kingstown company M&D Transportation, Inc.; his now-defunct computer company Diesel Tune-Ups of RI, Inc.; various trucking and diesel vehicle sales and repair companies throughout the United States; and a foreign national all conspired to alter or disable certain functions of the Electronic Control Modules (ECM) and On Board Diagnostic (OBD) monitoring systems of heavy-duty diesel vehicles such as semi-trucks or “big rigs.” These alterations are referred to in the industry as “tunes.”
Collins admitted that in exchange for a fee, the foreign national would download tuning software through a laptop computer provided by Collins and his companies, that was then connected to each vehicle. Through a remote connection, the “tunes” were downloaded onto each vehicle’s Electronic Control Module or computer to reprogram the vehicle’s monitoring systems. The vehicle’s monitoring systems were manipulated so that they would not detect malfunctions in the emission control components, thereby allowing vehicles to operate without proper emission controls. As a result, “tuned” vehicles could run with increased horsepower and torque, which can reduce maintenance and repair costs, but which results in significant increases in pollutant emissions.
The tuning business was marketed on Facebook. Interested companies were directed to contact a Rhode Island telephone number associated with Collins, M & D, and Diesel Tune-Ups. Customers paid Collins’ companies between $1,700 and $3,650 for each vehicle “tuned.” Collins and his companies wired a portion of the funds to their foreign co-conspirator and retained a portion of the funds for themselves.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John P. McAdams.
The matter was investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigation Division - Boston Area Office.
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Catholic Priest Sentenced to Federal Prison on Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – Father James W. Jackson, 68, a former Rhode Island priest assigned to St. Mary’s Church in Providence, was sentenced today to six years in federal prison, having previously admitted to a federal judge that that he downloaded and stored thousands of files of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
According to documents filed with the court, in September 2021, an East Providence Detective assigned to the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force identified an IP address assigned to the rectory at St. Mary’s Church that was being utilized to share files of child sexual abuse material.
A court-authorized search of a computer and digital device located in a church rectory bedroom utilized by Father Jackson was found to contain images and videos of child sexual abuse, including multiple images involving prepubescent females, and some of which involved acts of bestiality and sadomasochism. A forensic audit of the devices subsequently identified over 12,000 images and 1,300 videos of child pornography.
The defendant, charged by way of a federal criminal complaint and arraigned in U.S. District Court in Providence on November 3, 2021, was later released while awaiting trial to the custody of his sister, who resides in Kansas. In June 2022, members of the Kansas ICAC identified an IP address at the residence in Kansas where Father Jackson was staying that was being utilized to download child pornography. Acting on a court-authorized search warrant, members of the Kansas ICAC seized a portable computer and an external hard drive from Jackson’s bedroom; an analysis of the storage device revealed evidence that numerous files with names indicative of child sexual abuse material had been deleted.
Father Jackson was returned to Rhode Island and ordered detained while awaiting trial on federal charges filed in U.S. District Court in Rhode Island. He pleaded guilty on June 8, 2023, to a charge of receipt of child pornography.
Jackson was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith to seventy-two months of incarceration to be followed by five years of federal supervised release. In addition, pursuant to federal law, the Court imposed special assessments of $17,000 (The Amy, Vicky and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act of 2018), and $5,000 (The Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015). In addition, the Court indicated it will order restitution to specific victims in approximately thirty days.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John P. McAdams.
The matter was investigated by the Rhode Island State Police ICAC and Homeland Security Investigations.
U.S. Attorney Cunha expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Overland Park, Kansas Police Department and the Kansas ICAC.
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Settlement Agreement Reached to Resolve American with Disabilities Act ComplaintRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI –United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha today announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has reached a settlement agreement with Fresh Start Learning Center (“Fresh Start”), a childcare center in Middletown, RI, that provides childcare for children ages 18 months to 5 years old, to resolve allegations that Fresh Start was not operating in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”).
The settlement agreement addresses an ADA complaint filed by the parent of a child with autism, alleging that Fresh Start refused to make any reasonable accommodations and terminated the child from the program because of his disability.
According to information contained in the settlement agreement, the child was initially enrolled at Fresh Start in January 2022, shortly after he turned three years old. After attending childcare at Fresh Start for more than one year, the child’s mother provided Fresh Start with an evaluation stating that her child had a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, and suggesting recommended reasonable accommodations. Shortly after receiving the evaluation and request for accommodations, and without any prior warnings or incidents, Fresh Start notified the parent that her child would be disenrolled from the daycare due to the standard of care that was required.
Under the terms of the settlement agreement, Fresh Start will implement new nondiscriminatory policies, practices, and procedures for children with disabilities who wish to attend their daycare; train its staff on compliance with Title III of the ADA; and evaluate each request for reasonable modifications on an individualized basis. Fresh Start has also agreed to pay a total of $7,000 in compensatory damages to the Complainant.
Title III of the ADA prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in places of public accommodations, including daycare centers. The ADA authorizes the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate complaints and undertake periodic reviews of compliance of covered entities. The Department of Justice is also authorized to commence a civil lawsuit in federal court in any case that involves a pattern or practice of discrimination or that raises issues of general public importance, and to seek injunctive relief, monetary damages, and civil penalties.
The United States’ case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Amy R. Romero.
For more information on the ADA, visit www.ada.gov or call the Justice Department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TDD). Any member of the public who wishes to file a complaint alleging that a place of public accommodation or public entity in Rhode Island is not accessible to persons with disabilities may contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 401-709-5000.
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fresh_start_ada_agreement_0.pdfWarwick Man Sentenced to Nine Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking HeroinRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A convicted felon who was found to be in possession of a kilogram of heroin, a loaded firearm, more than $337,000 in cash, three kilo presses and other assorted items used in the packaging and distribution of drugs, and who was found to have two sophisticated hidden compartments in his vehicle commonly used to conceal contraband, including one embedded inside a child’s car seat, was sentenced today to nine years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
Jose Manuel Rosario Mella, 55, of Warwick, who had previously been arrested in New York and used multiple names to conceal his true identity, was arrested in August 2020 by members of the Rhode Island DEA Drug Task Force after an investigation determined that he was conducting a large-scale heroin and fentanyl trafficking operation from his Warwick residence; a home that he shared with his partner and her two young children, age five and fifteen.
Rosario Mella pleaded guilty on January 10, 2023, to possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
“This defendant carried out a large-scale drug trafficking organization with zero concern for either the communities poisoned by his toxic shipments of fentanyl and heroin, or for the safety of his own children- one of whose car seats he used to hide his drug shipments,” remarked U.S. Attorney Cunha. “With today’s sentence, a large-scale drug trafficker is out of business and off of Rhode Island streets, and I commend the DEA and our state and local law enforcement partners for their diligent work to make that happen.”
“Heroin is causing great damage to our communities and in this case, it’s putting children’s lives in danger. DEA’s top priority is to aggressively pursue anyone who distributes this poison.” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Illegal drug distribution ravages the foundations of our families so every time we take heroin off the streets, lives will be saved. This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative local, state, and federal law enforcement efforts and our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
According to charging documents and information presented to the court, in the summer of 2020, members of the DEA Drug Task Force surveilled Rosario Mella’s drug trafficking activities, including controlled purchases of heroin from the defendant by a person assisting law enforcement. On August 12, 2020, shortly after Rosario Mella drove away from his residence, his vehicle was stopped by law enforcement. A Warwick Police Department certified narcotics detection canine alerted to the presence of narcotics odors at the vehicle. The vehicle was found to contain after-market hides commonly used to conceal contraband behind the front passenger seat and in a child safety seat.
Simultaneously to the defendant’s car being stopped, a court-authorized search of Rosario Mella’s residence resulted in the seizure of a kilogram of heroin found stored among food and other kitchen items in a pantry closet; several containers of cutting agents often mixed with heroin and fentanyl to increase bulk quantities of the drugs stored in a kitchen cabinet; three kilo presses used to package kilograms of drugs; a loaded semi-automatic pistol located inside a storage bin in a bathroom; and $337,660 in cash located in various locations throughout the residence including inside drawers and stashed inside a woman’s sweater.
According to information presented to the court, the $337,660 in cash seized represents the sale of approximately thirteen kilograms of heroin.
Jose Manuel Rosario Mella was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy to 108 months in federal prison to be followed by four years of supervised release. Additionally, the court ordered the firearm, cash seized by law enforcement, and two vehicles owned by Rosario Mella be forfeited to the government.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul F. Daly, Jr.
The Rhode Island DEA Drug Task Force is comprised of personnel from the DEA; Rhode Island State Police; the Cranston, Newport, Pawtucket, Providence, Warwick, Woonsocket, and Amtrak Police Departments.
United States Attorney Cunha acknowledges and thanks the Warwick, South Kingstown, and North Kingstown Police Departments for their added assistance in the investigation of this matter.
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Providence Man Admits to Trafficking FentanylRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A Providence man who was found to be in possession of nearly three kilograms of fentanyl pills and fentanyl powder when members of the Rhode Island DEA Drug Task Force executed a court-authorized search of his residence in June 2021, pleaded guilty today in federal court to a charge of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
According to information presented to the court, during an investigation into the trafficking of narcotics in Providence, members of the DEA Drug Task Force learned that Giovanny Toro Gallego, 47, was associated with a known drug trafficker. On June 24, 2023, members of the DEA Task Force executed a court-authorized search of Toro Gallego’s residence and seized approximately 2.8 kilograms of fentanyl in the form of pills and powder; two pill presses, designed to manufacture pills containing fentanyl; and punch die for marking pills.
Toro Gallego is scheduled to be sentenced on February 15, 2024. The defendant’s sentence will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney G. Michael Seaman
The Rhode Island DEA Drug Task Force is comprised of personnel from the DEA; Rhode Island State Police; the Cranston, Newport, Pawtucket, Providence, Warwick, Woonsocket, and Amtrak Police Departments.
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Pawtucket Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Cocaine Trafficking ChargeRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – Jomar Cruz-Aponte, 28, of Pawtucket, is scheduled to be sentenced by a federal judge in February after admitting today that in December 2021, he retrieved and took possession of a package he believed contained a controlled substance, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
Cruz-Aponte admitted that he agreed to retrieve the package from the front porch of a Pawtucket residence and deliver it to another individual in exchange for $500.
According to information presented to the court, the package retrieved by Cruz-Aponte was shipped from Colombia and was intercepted by Customs and Border Protection. An inspection determined that it contained approximately one kilogram of cocaine stashed inside the tube of an old TV. Law enforcement officers set up surveillance at the location that the package was addressed to and, after the package was delivered, minus the cocaine, they observed Cruz-Aponte walking around the area, returning a short time later as a passenger in a vehicle, and then retrieve the package. He left the left the area in the same vehicle in which he arrived.
Surveillance officers observed the vehicle leave the area and a Pawtucket Police cruiser effected a car stop a short time later. During the traffic stop, Cruz-Aponte briefly attempted to flee by lunging from the car, with the package in hand, and throwing the package to the ground. He quickly surrendered to law enforcement.
Cruz-Aponte pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to a charge of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. He is scheduled to be sentenced on December 20, 2023. The defendant’s sentence will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney G. Michael Seaman.
The matter was investigated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Pawtucket Police Department.
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Pawtucket Man Admits to Failing to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A convicted sex offender living in Pawtucket who was previously convicted in Pennsylvania of indecent assault on a person under the age of thirteen pleaded guilty in federal court in Providence today to a charge of failure to register as a sex offender, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
According to charging documents and information presented to the court, following his release from prison and a halfway house in Pennsylvania, Antonio Medina-Santiago, 34, failed to register as a sex offender, as required by law. Arrest warrants for Santiago-Medina were issued by the Philadelphia Police Department in December 2022 and by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections in January 2023.
Further investigation by the United States Marshals Service determined that Santiago-Medina has relatives in Rhode Island and that in May 2022 he began utilizing federal benefits in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Further investigation determined that Medina-Santiago resided at his mother’s Pawtucket residence before moving to a different apartment in Pawtucket.
On June 1, 2022, as members of law enforcement approached Medina-Santiago as he was walking near his residence, he fled on foot back to his residence and barracked himself inside an apartment behind a locked steel door. On the advice of a relative, Medina-Santiago surrendered about thirty minutes later to members law enforcement who had surrounded his residence.
Santiago-Medina is scheduled to be sentenced on February 22, 2024. The defendant’s sentence will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ronald R. Gendron.
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North Kingstown Contractor Pleads Guilty to Bankruptcy Fraud, Suborning Perjury, Money Laundering, and Wire FraudRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A North Kingstown man working as a self-employed contractor admitted to a federal judge today that he executed multiple schemes, made false representations, intentionally omitted significant information in filings, suborned perjury, and intentionally obstructed proceedings before the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, all in an attempt to conceal substantial assets during bankruptcy proceedings, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
Ernest P. Ricci, 62, also admitted that he fraudulently applied for and received COVID-related Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) from the Small Business Administration, money that he laundered in an effort to conceal the funds.
Ricci pleaded guilty today to charges of bankruptcy fraud, obstruction, suborning perjury, wire fraud, and money laundering.
Appearing in U.S. District Court, Ricci admitted that in October 2017, prior to filing a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy petition in an attempt to protect a $1.5 million dollar home in Florida that he and his wife used as both rental property and a vacation home, and on which he had failed to make any mortgage payments for approximately five years, he transferred all of the assets of his business, Premier Home Restoration LLC (Premier), to his wife. Ricci admitted that he then falsely submitted documents to the Bankruptcy Court, under oath, indicating that he had been unemployed for many years, that he had no income, that he garnered no compensation of any kind from his wife’s company, that he controlled no bank accounts, and that he had no assets or properties other than the Florida home.
Ricci admitted today that, in fact, he continued to control Premier after he transferred the company to his wife; that he ran its day-to-day operations; and that he made use of income from the company to maintain his lifestyle, all of which he failed to disclose to the Bankruptcy Court.
Ricci also admitted that he failed to truthfully disclose rental income from his Florida property and from another property that he owned in New Hampshire. Ricci additionally admitted that he was untruthful when he claimed that he held a $200,000 mortgage in the name of another person for the New Hampshire property when, in fact, he owned the property himself and he was collecting rent, and that he convinced that person to commit perjury before the bankruptcy trustee.
According to information presented to the court, in addition to the schemes employed by Ricci to hide assets and mislead the Bankruptcy Court, after the Bankruptcy Trustee was declared to be the equitable owner of Ricci’s former company, Premier, Ricci fraudulently applied for COVID-related Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) from the Small Business Administration, supposedly to pay Premier employees and company expenses. When filing, Ricci failed to disclose that the Trustee was the owner of Premier, and that he and the company were involved in bankruptcy proceedings.
After fraudulently obtaining the EDIL and PPP funds, Ricci engaged in money laundering by conducted a series of financial transactions to conceal the location, ownership, and control of the COVID support payments , and used the funds to purchase rental property in Warwick, RI, in the name of another person.
Court documents detail a number of stalling tactics, frivolous pleadings, and fraudulent claims by Ernest Ricci, including claims that he was indigent, during the years’ long bankruptcy proceedings. Documents also detail numerous combative communications sent by Ernest Ricci to the bankruptcy Trustee, some laced with profanities.
Ernest Ricci is scheduled to be sentenced on February 22, 2024. The defendant’s sentences will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John P. McAdams.
The matter was investigated by the FBI, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, and the United States Bankruptcy Trustee.
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Massachusetts Resident Admits to Participating in a Bank Fraud Scheme Targeting a Rhode Island SeniorRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A Worcester, MA, resident appeared in federal court in Providence today and admitted to participating in a fraud scheme that, among other things, intended to defraud a Portsmouth, RI, senior of $7,500, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
Fangzhou Qian, 29, admitted to being a member of a conspiracy that contacted victims via telephone and, fraudulently posing as a representative of the victims’ bank, told them that their bank account had been compromised. Victims were instructed to withdraw large amounts of money from their bank account in order to protect their assets, and to provide the funds in cash to a member of the conspiracy who, posing as a courier, would soon arrive at their residence.
According to information presented to the court, in May 2023, a member of the conspiracy, posing as “Sam,” a bank employee, contacted a 73-year-old Portsmouth, RI , resident and falsely informed him that his bank account had been compromised. The Portsmouth senior was instructed to withdraw $7,500 from his bank account and provide the money to a courier, later identified by law enforcement as Qian, who would stop by his residence that day. The Portsmouth resident withdrew the money, but notified law enforcement of the potential scam call. Qian was intercepted by law enforcement before being able to retrieve the money and was arrested.
According to information presented to the court, members of the conspiracy used some of the funds stolen from their victims to purchase large quantities of gift cards. Qian admitted to purchasing 170 Apple gift cards from various stores in Massachusetts and New Hampshire during the same timeframe during which members of the conspiracy, including Qian, were attempting to defraud the Portsmouth resident.
Qian pleaded guilty to charges of bank fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. A sentencing hearing is scheduled on January 17, 2024. The defendant’s sentences will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney G. Michael Seaman.
The matter was investigated by the Portsmouth Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations.
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Providence Man Found in Possession of $200,000 in Stolen Checks Pleads Guilty to Mail Theft, Violating the Terms of Federal Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A Providence man who was found to be in possession of nearly $200,000 in stolen and fraudulent checks while serving a term of federal supervised release for an unrelated bank fraud conviction, pleaded guilty in federal court today to a charge of possession of stolen mail, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
According to charging documents and information presented to the court, on February 2, 2023, during his arrest on an unrelated state narcotics charge, Edmilson Rodrigues, 25, was found to be in possession of ninety-one legitimate checks totaling approximately $170,758.26 and eight fraudulent checks totaling approximately $22,838.01. Also seized was blank check-paper stock used for creating fraudulent checks.
An investigation by agents with the United States Postal Inspection Service determined that the legitimate checks seized from Rodrigues’ residence had been mailed out by various businesses, but were never received by the intended recipients. Combined with the fraudulent checks, the intended loss totals $193,596.27.
At the time of his arrest on a state drug charge, Rodrigues was serving a term of federal supervised release that followed a sentence of twenty-four months incarceration imposed by a federal judge in September 2020 as a result of his conviction on bank fraud charges.
Rodrigues is scheduled to be sentenced on February 22, 2024, on the stolen mail charge and for violating the terms of his federal supervised release. The defendant’s sentences will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ly T. Chin
The matter was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Providence Police Department.
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Providence VA Service Representative Indicted on Federal Extortion, Bribery, Witness Tampering ChargesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – An indictment unsealed in federal court in Providence today charges Michael Darrah, a benefits service representative with the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs in Providence, with three counts of bribery and one count each of extortion, gratuity received by a public official, and witness tampering, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
It is alleged in the indictment that Darrah, 45, of Taunton, MA., solicited and accepted bribes from veterans and the family member of a veteran to approve requested dependent care benefits and/or disability benefits. It is further alleged that Darrah claimed that some of the money he sought from his victims would be used to purchase gift cards for other purported VA employees who Darrah claimed either could or did assist him in expediting and approving benefits claims.
The indictment alleges that Darrah requested payments and accepted approximately $3,385 from a veteran, supposedly to “grease the wheels” to push paperwork through and expedite a claim for disability benefits; that he corruptly sought and accepted $16,566 from a second veteran to expedite and approve a claim for disability benefits; and that he sought and accepted $2,700 from a relative of a third veteran to expedite and approve the veteran’s benefits claim. Additionally, it is alleged that Darrah sought and accepted a “gratuity” of approximately $5,000 from the third veteran for having successfully used his position at the VA to get other VA employees to expedite and approve the claims. The indictment alleges that Darrah requested this “gratuity” despite being advised that the veteran was facing homelessness as his house was being foreclosed. Finally, it is alleged that Darrah, after becoming aware of the government’s investigation into his conduct, attempted to corruptly persuade a witness not to cooperate with the investigation and to lie about the nature of payments made to Darrah.
A charge of bribery carries a sentence of up to 15 years in federal prison; extortion is punishable by a sentence of up to 20 years imprisonment; witness tampering is punishable by a sentence of up to 25 years imprisonment; and the charge of receipt of a gratuity by a public official carries a sentence of up to 2 years in prison. If convicted, the defendant’s sentences will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ly T. Chin and Peter I. Roklan.
The matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - Office of Inspector General, with the assistance of the FBI, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, United States Postal Inspection Service, and Veterans Administration Police.
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Addiction Treatment Center Supervisor Admits to Participating in a Scheme to Defraud Federal, State, and Private Health Care InsurersRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A clinical social worker today admitted to a federal judge that she helped devise and execute a scheme that shortchanged Rhode Island and Massachusetts substance abuse disorder patients out of counseling and treatment services while, at the same time, defrauding Medicare, Medicaid, and other health insurers out of more than $3.5 million dollars, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
Mi Ok Song Bruining, 63, of Warwick, admitted that, while employed as a supervisor at Recovery Connections Centers of America, Inc. (RCCA) in Providence, she and others working at her direction routinely submitted false and fraudulent claims for psychotherapy and counseling services that did not occur for the length of time billed, consistently billing for far more patients than was possible for RCCA staff to have seen during office hours. Bruining, known at RCCA as the “5 Minute Queen” for her speed in seeing patients for so-called counseling sessions, admitted that while billing for 45-minute sessions she actually saw patients for no more than 5-10 minutes, at times asking patients only one question before she ended a session.
According to information presented to the court, to facilitate this fraud, Ms. Bruining directed counselors and others at RCCA to record in their notes that they were providing counseling in 45-minute intervals, but without listing AM or PM for the start time. Ms. Bruining gave this instruction so that it was not clear that they were seeing more patients than possible within a single hour. She also instructed other counselors to copy and paste the last visit’s note into each entry to make the bill look complete. As a result, many of the patient notes for patients billed by RCCA were simply identical cut-and paste copies of the same note.
Bruining pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. She is scheduled to be sentenced on February 15, 2024. The defendant’s sentence will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Sara Miron Bloom and Kevin Love Hubbard.
The matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. United States Attorney Cunha thanks the IRS, Customs and Border Protection, and the Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General for their assistance in the investigation.
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Providence Man Sentenced to Nine Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A Providence man who took delivery of a locked case inside of which he expected to find thirteen kilos of cocaine, and who later participated in a scheme to smuggle contraband into the Wyatt Detention Center has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
Emmanuel Nolasco, 37, previously admitted to a federal judge that, in June 2020, he travelled to Los Angeles where he obtained thirteen kilograms of cocaine that he stored inside a locked carrying case. Nolasco then hired an individual to drive the drugs to Rhode Island and deliver them to him at his Providence residence.
According to information presented to the court, while en route to Rhode Island, the vehicle in which the cocaine was being transported was stopped by local police in Texas for a traffic violation. The police notified DEA agents in Texas of their discovery, and DEA agents in Texas and in Providence arranged for the driver continue driving to Providence to deliver the storage case which now contained thirteen replica “kilos” of cocaine. Upon delivery of the case to Nolasco on June 22, 2020, DEA agents arrested Nolasco and executed a court-authorized search of his residence, seizing four kilograms of heroin, three kilograms of various cutting agents, two loaded firearms, $108,760 in cash, a kilo press; a Porsche automobile, and various items used in the packaging and sale of drugs.
In a separate matter, Nolasco admitted to the court that while being detained at the Wyatt Detention Center he participated in a scheme to smuggle contraband into the detention center. On February 15, 2021, members of the Wyatt Detention Center Professional Standards Unit searched Nolasco’s cell and seized controlled substances.
On June 22, 2023, Nolasco pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; possession with intent to distribute heroin; two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; two counts of possession with intent to distribute suboxone; and possession of contraband by an inmate. He was sentenced on Friday by U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith to 108 months of incarceration to be followed by four years of federal supervised release. At the government’s request, the court ordered Nolasco to forfeit to the government the $108,760 in cash, the two loaded firearms and a Porsche Panamera seized at the time of his arrest.
The cases were prosecuted by Assistant U.S Attorney Paul F. Daly, Jr.
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Justice Department to Monitor Polls for Compliance with Federal Voting Rights Laws in Several JurisdictionsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Justice Department announced today that it plans to monitor compliance with federal voting rights laws in several jurisdictions for the Nov. 7 general election.
The department will assign federal observers to monitor the election in Union County, New Jersey, to observe the county’s compliance with the Voting Rights Act. Earlier this year, a federal court approved a consent decree to resolve the department’s claims under Section 203 and 208 of the Voting Rights Act regarding the availability of election assistance and materials in Spanish for Spanish-speaking voters with limited English proficiency in Union County. The consent decree authorizes federal observers to monitor election day activities in the county’s polling places.
For this election, the Civil Rights Division will also monitor for compliance with the federal voting rights laws on Election Day in the following jurisdictions: Pawtucket and Woonsocket, Rhode Island; Madison County and Panola County, Mississippi; and Prince William County, Virginia.
The Civil Rights Division enforces the federal voting rights laws that protect the rights of all citizens to access the ballot. The division regularly deploys its staff to monitor for compliance with the federal civil rights laws in elections in communities all across the country. In addition, the division also deploys federal observers from the Office of Personnel Management, where authorized by federal court order.
The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section enforces the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the right to vote, including the Voting Rights Act, the National Voter Registration Act, the Help America Vote Act, the Civil Rights Acts and the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.
Civil Rights Division personnel is also available to receive complaints from the public related to possible violations of federal voting rights laws by a complaint form on the department’s website at civilrights.justice.gov/ or by telephone toll-free at 800-253-3931.
Visit www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section for more information about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting rights laws.
More information about the federal civil rights laws is available at the Civil Rights Division’s website at justice.gov/crt.
El Departamento de Justicia monitoreará los lugares de votación en varias jurisdicciones para asegurar el cumplimiento de las leyes federales de derechos electoralesRead the Press Release
El Departamento de Justicia anunció hoy que monitoreará las elecciones generales el 7 de noviembre de 2023 en varias jurisdicciones para asegurar el cumplimiento de las leyes federales de derechos electorales.
El Departamento asignará observadores federales para monitorear las elecciones en Union County, New Jersey, para asegurar el cumplimiento con la Ley de Derechos Electorales. El 12 de junio de 2023 una corte federal aprobó un decreto por consentimiento para resolver las alegaciones del Departamento bajo las secciones 203 y 208 de la Ley de Derechos Electorales sobre la disponibilidad de asistencia electoral y materiales en español para votantes hispanos con conocimientos limitados del idioma inglés en Union County. El decreto por consentimiento también dispone que observadores federales pueden monitorear las actividades el Día de Elecciones en los lugares de votación en el condado.
Además, la División de Derechos Civiles monitoreará las actividades en los lugares de votación en Madison County y Panola County, Mississippi; las ciudades de Pawtucket y Woonsocket, Rhode Island; y Prince William County, Virginia, para asegurar el cumplimiento de las leyes federales de derechos electorales.
La División de Derechos Civiles hace cumplir las leyes federales de derechos electorales que protegen el derecho de acceso a las urnas de todos los ciudadanos. La División envía personal del departamento periódicamente a monitorear elecciones en comunidades a través de todo el país. Además, la División envía observadores federales de la Oficina de Administración de Personal de EE.UU. según autorizado por una orden judicial federal.
La Sección de Votación de la División de Derechos Civiles vela por el cumplimiento de las leyes federales civiles que protegen el derecho al voto, incluyendo la Ley de Derechos Electorales, la Ley de Votación para los Uniformados y los Ciudadanos en el Extranjero, la Ley Nacional de Inscripción de Votantes, la Ley Ayudemos a Estados Unidos a Votar, y las leyes de derechos civiles.
Personal de la División de Derechos Civiles estará disponible para recibir denuncias relacionadas a posibles vulneraciones de las leyes federales de derechos electorales mediante el formulario en línea en https://civilrights.justice.gov/ o por teléfono al (800) 253-3931.
Para obtener más información sobre la Ley de Derechos Electorales y otras leyes federales electorales, visite el portal del Departamento de Justicia en www.justice.gov/crt/voting/.
Información adicional sobre las leyes federales de derechos civiles está disponible en el sitio web de la División de Derechos Civiles en https://justice.gov/crt.
Woonsocket Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A Woonsocket man today admitted to a federal judge that he possessed more than one thousand images and videos of child sexual abuse, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
Appearing in U.S. District Court in Providence, John F. Tracy IV, 40, admitted that he stored images and videos depicting child pornography in a storage-cloud, and on multiple digital storage devices and a cell phone that were seized from his Woonsocket home during a court-authorized search on July 14, 2022.
According to information presented to the court, forensic audits of the devices revealed 1,059 images and 24 videos depicting child pornography.
Tracy pleaded guilty to a charge of possession of child pornography. He is scheduled to be sentenced on February 1, 2024. The defendant’s sentence will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Dulce Donovan and Julie M. White.
The matter, first brought to the attention of law enforcement in a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations and the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
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Justice Department Awards Rhode Island Law Enforcement Agencies More Than $3.3 Million in Public Safety GrantsRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha joins the Justice Department today in announcing several new commitments as part of the Justice Department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime. Instituted by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in May 2021, the strategy focuses on harnessing federal resources, intelligence, and expertise as a force-multiplier with state, local, and Tribal law enforcement.
Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco and Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta highlighted the more than $334 million in critical grant funding to law enforcement agencies and stakeholders awarded today by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office).The COPS grants announced today include funding to help law enforcement agencies hire over 1,730 new law enforcement officers across the country while also providing critical funding to support school safety and continue to advance community policing nationwide
Through this funding, U.S. Attorney Cunha is pleased to announce that the Department’s COPS Office awarded a total of more than $3.3 million to Rhode Island to combat violent crime and maintain public safety.
Grant awards to Rhode Island law enforcement agencies include
- $2.5 million for the Providence Police Department to hire twenty police officers;
- $400,000 to the South Kingstown Police Department to implement Crisis Intervention Teams;
- $220,514 to fund a Providence Police Department De-Escalation Program;
- $67,500 to fund a Tiverton Police Department School Violence Prevention Program; and
- $132,518 to the Rhode Island Police Accreditation Commission to enhance existing law enforcement accreditation entities.
“Law enforcement officers across the country are showing up every day to protect their communities in the face of unprecedented challenges,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “These grants, which support the hiring of more than 1700 new officers and make critical investments in school safety and crisis intervention efforts, will help provide local law enforcement agencies with the resources they need to keep their communities safe, support officers, and build public trust.”
“This Office’s strong and enduring relationships with our state and local law enforcement partners are critical to our work keeping Rhode Islanders safe, taking violent criminals off our streets, and standing up for the victims of crime,” remarked U.S. Attorney Cunha. “These grants will help fund innovative approaches that enhance public safety and deepen law enforcement’s connections to the communities we serve.”
“For almost 30 years, the COPS Office has worked to reduce crime and increase trust between law enforcement and the community through the many different grant programs that we offer,” said Director Hugh T. Clements Jr. of the COPS Office. “The funding we are announcing today will go a long way toward advancing this very important work.”
The Department has also named the five new cities to join the more than 50 jurisdictions currently part of the Office of Justice Program’s (OJP) Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) National Public Safety Partnership (PSP), which has a proven track record of helping partner sites reduce crime, improve homicide clearance rates, and enhance the quality of life for community members. The 2024 PSP sites are: Knoxville, Tennessee; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Raleigh, North Carolina; San Antonio, Texas; and Vallejo, California.
Lastly, the Deputy Attorney General and Associate Attorney General announced that this December 11-13, in Indianapolis, the Justice Department’s will bring together 1,500 local and federal partners from across the country, including representatives from the more than 50 PSP jurisdictions and from Project Safe Neighborhoods for a Violent Crime Reduction Summit, to be hosted by OJP BJA.
Complete lists of all program award recipients, including funding amounts, can be found here.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office Recognizes National Domestic Violence Awareness Month; Announces Justice Department Funding for Community-Based ResponsesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – The Department of Justice joins survivors, victim service providers, advocates, and communities nationwide in recognizing National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). This is a time to center the experiences of survivors, honor those who have lost their lives to domestic violence; express gratitude to the countless individuals in the movement to end violence; and raise awareness about issues of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. As it concludes its month-long observance of DVAM, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island is proud to announce that the Department’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) has awarded approximately $1.25 million to Rhode Island service providers to bolster coordinated community responses aimed at bringing an end to domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking.
Data from the most recent National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey indicate that about 41% of women and 26% of men experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner and reported an intimate partner violence-related impact during their lifetime. Domestic violence rates are even higher for American Indian and Alaska Native populations, Black individuals, people of color, people with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ individuals.
Nationally, the announced grants will reach Tribal nations, historically marginalized communities, underserved communities, college and university campuses, rural towns, culturally specific communities, and more. The funding prioritizes increasing access to justice, improving survivor safety, holding perpetrators accountable, and offering training and technical support to professionals addressing these crimes.
Community-based agencies in the District of Rhode Island received the following funds for the 2023 fiscal year:
- OVW awarded $232,584 to Day One and $108,034 to the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence under the State and Territory Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Program to enhance the coordination between courts, child protective services agencies, advocates, law enforcement, and community programs to encourage trauma-informed, survivor-centered responses to domestic violence and sexual assault.
- OVW awarded $400,000 to Progresso Latino under the Sexual Assault Services Culturally Specific Program (SAS Culturally Specific Program) to support communities in establishing or expanding culturally appropriate services that address the needs of sexual assault survivors from culturally specific communities.
- OVW awarded $500,000 to Sojourner House under the Transitional Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking Program (Transitional Housing Program) to support programs that provide 6 to 24 months of transitional housing or housing assistance to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking.
“These grant funds from the Office on Violence Against Women are a critical part of the Department’s effort to assist our Rhode Island community partners as they support survivors and stand up for victims across our state, not just in court, but throughout their courageous efforts to carry on with their lives in the wake of violence,” commented U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
“Every day, a vast network of dedicated individuals helps domestic violence survivors access multiple pathways to safety, justice, and healing,” said OVW Director Rosie Hidalgo. “OVW understands that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to addressing domestic violence. These funds will enable communities to increase capacity and strengthen a coordinated community approach to prevent and address violence in more comprehensive ways tailored to their communities. Together, with our grantees, we are building a future where individuals and families can live and thrive without the threat of intimate partner violence.”
OVW provides leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to reduce violence through implementing VAWA and subsequent legislation. Created in 1995, OVW administers financial and technical assistance to communities nationwide that are developing programs, policies, and practices to end domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. In addition to overseeing federal grant programs, OVW undertakes initiatives in response to special needs identified by communities facing acute challenges. Learn more at www.justice.gov/ovw.
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Warwick Man Detained in Federal Custody on Enticement and Obscenity ChargesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A U.S. District Court magistrate judge in Providence has ordered a Rhode Island man detained in federal custody following his arrest on charges that he allegedly attempted to entice an 11-year-old New Jersey girl to engage in sexual activity and that he allegedly transmitted obscene material to the girl, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
According to charging documents, it is alleged that Jeffrey Locke Slinn, 42, used multiple online accounts and logins to communicate with numerous underage girls. It is alleged that beginning in July 2023, Slinn engaged in a series of sexually explicit online communications with an 11-year-old girl in New Jersey, attempting to entice her to engage in sexual conduct, and that he exchanged sexually explicit images and videos with her.
Slinn was arrested on October 26, 2023, charged by way of a federal criminal complaint with attempted enticement of a minor and transfer of obscene material to a minor. He made an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Providence on Friday and was ordered detained in federal custody.
A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Julie M. White, with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorney John P. McAdams.
The matter was investigated by the FBI, the Ocean Township, New Jersey, Police Department, and the Warwick, Rhode Island, Police Department.
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Providence Man Sentenced to Federal Prison in Seizure of More Than Twenty-Four Kilos of HeroinRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A Providence man found to be in possession of more than twenty-two kilos of heroin within hours of having sold two kilos while under law enforcement surveillance in November 2018, was sentenced today to seven years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
Jose Figueroa Rosales, 50, pleaded guilty on April 17, 2023, to possession with intent to distribute and distribution of more than 100 grams of heroin.
According to information presented to the court, in November 2018, while being surveilled by members of the Rhode Island Drug Enforcement Administration Drug Task Force, Figueroa sold an individual two kilograms of heroin. Later that same day, agents and officers executed a court-authorized search of Figueroa’s residence and seized more than twenty-two kilograms of heroin, valued at the time in excess of one million dollars.
The seizure of more than twenty-four kilos of heroin from Figueroa is among the single largest seizures in Rhode Island by law enforcement.
At sentencing today, U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith sentenced Figueroa to 84 months of incarceration to be followed by four years of federal supervised release.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul F. Daly, Jr.
The matter was investigated by the Rhode Island DEA Drug Task Force, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Rhode Island State Police High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, and the Providence Police Department.
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