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

October 19, 2012

 

Career Offender Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Crack Cocaine

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Fritz Boutin, 33, of Providence, a career offender who was previously convicted on felony drug charges in state court on several occasions, was sentenced today in federal court to 144 months in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, 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 Boutin to serve 5 years supervised release following his prison term. Boutin pled guilty on July 30, 2012, as charged in a federal indictment returned in February 2012. Boutin was arrested by Providence Police detectives in October 2011.

According to information presented to the court, Providence Police obtained and executed a court authorized search warrant at Boutin’s residence on October 5, 2011. The warrant was obtained based on information developed by detectives during an on-going investigation into Boutin’s suspected drug dealing activities.

According to information presented to the court, Boutin, who was detained as he attempted to flee from police when they entered his residence, was arrested after detectives discovered 14 grams of crack cocaine in a prescription bottle in Boutin’s bedroom and more than 61 grams of crack cocaine in plastic bags stored in a canister in the kitchen. In addition, detectives seized nearly 99 grams of cocaine powder stashed in a plastic bag inside a bag of rice in the kitchen and $5,375 in cash, believed to represent the proceeds of an additional 151 grams of crack cocaine.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gerard B. Sullivan.

 

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