News Release
U.S. Department of Justice
Peter F. Neronha
United States Attorney
District of Rhode Island
November 23, 2011
Cranston Man Detained After DEA Drug Task Force Search Nets Heroin & Crack Cocaine
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - A Cranston man was ordered detained following his initial appearance in federal court in Providence today on charges of possession of a kilogram or more of heroin with the intent to distribute and possession of crack cocaine with the intent to distribute. Jose Antonio Soto Hernandez, a/k/a Goyo, 38, was arrested Tuesday after members of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force executed a federal search warrant at a Providence business and seized substantial quantities of heroin, crack cocaine, and various drug trafficking supplies and instruments.
The arrest and initial court appearance of Hernandez was announced by U.S. Attorney Peter F. Neronha and Steven W. Derr, Special Agent in Charge of the New England Field Division of DEA.
According to an affidavit in support of an arrest warrant filed with the U.S. District Court, DEA Drug Task Force agents encountered Hernandez as they prepared to execute a federal court authorized search inside a Broad Street, Providence business. According to the affidavit, Hernandez agreed to cooperate with Drug Task Force agents during the search and pointed out locations within the business where drugs were stored. Agents seized a total of 1107.7 grams of heroin; 37.2 grams of crack cocaine; and various supplies and instruments used in the trafficking of heroin and cocaine.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen G. Dambruch.
The matter was investigated by DEA Drug Task Force agents and officers from the DEA and Newport; Cranston; Providence and Pawtucket Police Departments, with the assistance of the Cranston and Providence Police Departments.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Contact: 401-709-5357
USARI.Media@usdoj.gov
