2nd Defendant Sentenced To 5 Years In Prison For Role In Crack Cocaine Trafficking Conspiracy

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Adalberto Negron, 31, of Woonsocket, on Thursday, became the second person sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for their role in a crack cocaine distribution conspiracy which operated in Central Falls from January to November 2013, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha, Vincent B. Lisi, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston field office of the FBI, and Colonel James J. Mendonca, Central Falls Police Chief.

At sentencing, U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., also ordered Negron to serve 4 years supervised release upon completion of his prison term. Negron pleaded guilty on September 12, 2014, to one count each of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine base, possession with the intent to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base in excess of 28 grams, and two counts of possession with the intent to distribute cocaine base.

Negron, his brother Angel Vigo, 21, of Central Falls, and a 3rd defendant, Edwin Nieves, 24, of Pawtucket, were arrested on November 8, 2013, by FBI agents, Central Falls Police, and officers and agents assigned to the FBI RI Safe Streets Task Force following a 10-month investigation into the crack cocaine distribution conspiracy.

According to court documents and information presented to the court, on at least ten occasions an individual operating at the direction of law enforcement arranged for the purchase and accepted delivery of varying amounts of crack cocaine from Vigo, Negron and Nieves. Telephone calls to arrange the purchases and the deliveries of the drugs were monitored by law enforcement. The deliveries took place in Central Falls and Pawtucket.

During the course of the investigation, including the execution of search warrants authorized by a federal court magistrate judge, law enforcement seized more than 200 grams of crack cocaine, 836 grams of cocaine powder and $70,000 in cash.

“As the large amounts of cash and illegal drugs involved in this case make clear, Rhode Island remains open for business when it comes to drug trafficking.  It is therefore no surprise that Rhode Island is among the top states in the nation for its residents’ abuse of illegal and prescription drugs, with disastrous results.  This is as much a public health issue as it is a law enforcement one.  It is thus imperative that we continue, with our local, state and federal partners, to target those whose endanger our residents and devastate the quality of life in our neighborhoods,” said United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha.

Colonel James J. Mendonca, Central Falls Police Chief added, “The arrest and subsequent sentencing of these lawless individuals is yet another shining illustration of how federal and local law enforcement agencies can work together and share resources in support of one collective goal – safer communities.”    

“The collaboration between the Central Falls Police Department and the FBI was a key factor in the successful dismantlement of this criminal enterprise, noted Vincent B. Lisi, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston field office of the FBI.”
On September 9, 2014, Edwin Nieves was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., to 60 months in federal prison to be followed by 3 years supervised release. Nieves pleaded guilty on May 28, 2014, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine base; possession with the intent to distribute cocaine; and two counts of possession with the intent to distribute cocaine base.

On April 22, 2014, Angel Vigo, who had been detained in federal custody since his arrest on November 8, 2013, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., to time served to be followed by three years supervised release. Vigo pleaded guilty on January 29, 2014, to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine base and 6 counts of possession with the intent to distribute cocaine base.

The cases were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William J. Ferland.

The matter was investigated by the FBI, FBI RI Safe Streets Task Force and Central Falls Police Department, with the assistance of officers from the Cranston, Providence and Norton, Mass., Police Departments and the Massachusetts State Police.

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