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

September 7, 2012

Providence Man Found Guilty on Drug Trafficking Charges

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – On September 6, 2012, after a three day trial, the defendant, Charles Fermin, 29, of Providence, RI, was found guilty of cocaine and marihuana trafficking by a federal court jury in Providence, RI.  The charges resulted from an arrest made by members of the Rhode Island State Police High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force (HIDTA) on January 6, 2012 in Providence, RI.  When the defendant was arrested, he was wheeling a suitcase containing a loaded .357 Magnum revolver, 33 pounds of marihuana, over an ounce of cocaine, and drug trafficking paraphernalia.  The defendant told arresting officers that he had just found the suitcase and was unaware of its contents. 

The case was tried before the Honorable William E. Smith.  The jury convicted the defendant of cocaine and marihuana trafficking, but acquitted him of the firearms charge.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sandra R. Hebert.

Fermin’s conviction was announced by Peter F. Neronha, United States Attorney for the District of Rhode Island; Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; and Colonel Steven G. O’Donnell, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police.

The Rhode Island State Police High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force is comprised of members of law enforcement from the Rhode Island State Police, ATF, DEA, ICE-HSI, R.I. National Guard, and the Johnston, Pawtucket, Providence, and Smithfield Police Departments.

 

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Contact: 401-709-5357
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