News Release
U.S. Department of Justice
Peter F. Neronha
United States Attorney
District of Rhode Island

May 3, 2010

VETERAN CRIMINAL PROSECUTOR JOINS U.S. ATTORNEY’S OFFICE

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – William J. Ferland, a top criminal prosecutor for 20 years with the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office, joined the staff of the Rhode Island U. S. Attorney’s Office today; it was announced by U.S. Attorney Peter F. Neronha. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ferland will primarily prosecute organized crime, drug and firearm cases.

“Bill is a smart, experienced, and extremely dedicated prosecutor,” noted U.S. Attorney Peter F. Neronha. “He is well-respected by judges, fellow prosecutors, law enforcement, and the defense bar alike.  He handled hundreds of significant felony cases, and the fact that he has prosecuted nearly two dozen homicide cases demonstrates the confidence that the various Attorneys General he has worked for have placed in him.”

A former patrolman, detective and police sergeant in East Greenwich from 1982-1990, Mr. Ferland served in numerous capacities as a R.I. Assistant Attorney General, including Chief of the Criminal Division; Chief of the Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit; and Chief of the Welfare Fraud Unit. He most recently served as Senior Trial Counsel, coordinating and overseeing the investigation and prosecution of high profile felony matters.

Mr. Ferland graduated magna cum laude from Rhode Island College in May 1982. He earned his Juris Doctor and graduated magna cum laude from New England School of Law in 1989.

Mr. Ferland has served as an adjunct faculty member at Roger Williams University Metropolitan College and the Community College of Rhode Island providing instruction in criminal law. He has also served as an instructor at the Rhode Island Police Training Academy.

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