News Release
U.S. Department of Justice
United States Attorney
District of Rhode Island
May 19, 2009
Defendant sentenced for crack cocaine trafficking
A federal judge last week sentenced Joseph M. Fry, 25, of Newport, Rhode Island, to 120 months in federal prison for distribution of 11.5 grams of crack cocaine. Fry, who is a career offender, pleaded guilty to that offense, admitting that in September 2008, he sold three eight balls (each eight ball weighing roughly 3.5 grams) of crack cocaine.
United States Attorney Robert Clark Corrente announced the sentence, which Chief Judge Mary M. Lisi imposed on May 13, 2009, in U.S. District Court, Providence.
At the plea hearing in January 2009, Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Browne said the government could prove that in September 2008, a cooperating individual contacted Fry and arranged to buy 3 eight balls of crack cocaine. Later the same day, the cooperating individual met Fry at the corner of Stockton Drive and Rosedale Court in Middletown, where Fry delivered three bags of crack cocaine in exchange for $540.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force, and members of the Newport Police Department conducted the investigation.
Contact: 401-709-5000 USARI.Media@usdoj.gov