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Press Release

Dominican National Sentenced To Nearly Six Years In Federal Prison On Drug And Firearm Charges

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Rhode Island






PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Richard Paulino, a/k/a Jose Nieves and Jose Ayala, 30, a Dominican national living in Providence, was sentenced today to 57 months in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine and being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha and Providence Police Chief Colonel Hugh T. Clements, Jr.

U. S District Court Judge William E. Smith also ordered Paulino to serve three years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term. Paulino pleaded guilty on July 18, 2012, to one count each of possession with the intent to distribute cocaine base and felon in possession of a firearm. Upon completion of his federal prison sentence, Paulino will be referred to Homeland Security Investigations immigration officials for deportation proceedings.

According to information presented to the court, on April 18, 2012, detectives from the Providence Police Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit executed a court authorized search warrant at a Providence residence used by Paulino as a stash house. During the search, detectives seized a total of 107 grams of cocaine and 15 grams of crack cocaine; a .22 caliber handgun and a .45 caliber handgun; ammunition; $1,460 in cash; and a variety of items used in the preparation and street sale of crack cocaine. Paulino admitted to the court that all of the items seized belonged to him.

Paulino, who was previously convicted in Rhode Island state court on felony drug charges, has been detained since his arrest on April 18, 2012.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Milind M. Shah.

United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha acknowledged the efforts of the Providence Police Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit for their investigation of Paulino’s illegal drug activities and for their arrest of the defendant.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives assisted Providence Police in the investigation of the firearms seized from Paulino.

Contact: 401-709-5357
USARI.Media@usdoj.gov

Updated June 22, 2015