25-Count Indictment Charges Pair with Drug Trafficking, Bank Fraud

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A federal grand jury in Providence today returned a 25-count indictment charging Robert Wilkins, 25, and Christian M. Domenech, 23, of West Warwick, with trafficking heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine, and with bank fraud, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division; and Colonel Steven G. O’Donnell, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police.

The indictment charges Wilkins and Domenech with one count each of conspiracy to distribute heroin and crack cocaine; one count each of possession with intent to distribute heroin, crack cocaine and cocaine; fifteen counts of distribution of crack cocaine; three counts of distribution of heroin; and one count of bank fraud. The defendants have been detained since their arrest on July 12, 2016, on a federal criminal complaint charging them with drug trafficking and bank fraud.

According to court documents, it is alleged that a three-month investigation by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force into the defendants alleged drug trafficking activity included numerous purchases from the defendants of between one gram and seven grams of crack cocaine and heroin for between $80 dollars and $350 dollars. Each alleged transaction was monitored by law enforcement.

Additionally, according to court documents, a Rhode Island State Police Financial Crimes Unit investigation determined that beginning in December 2015, the defendants allegedly created and deposited bogus checks into bank accounts each established, and withdrew some of those funds. It is alleged that Christian Domenech deposited a total of $10,000 in bogus checks and withdrew $2,000 in cash. It is alleged that Robert Wilkins deposited a total of $10,000 in bogus checks and withdrew at total of $2,099.55.

On July 12, 2016, FBI Safe Street Task Force agents, with the assistance of the West Warwick Police Department and the DEA, executed a court authorized search of the defendants’ Church Street, West Warwick residence. Varying quantities of cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin was seized, along with approximately $800 in cash. Law enforcement also seized two vehicles.

An indictment 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.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald R. Gendron.

The FBI’s Safe Streets Violent Gang Task Force consists of agents and law enforcement officers from the FBI, RI State Police, Providence, Cranston, Woonsocket, and Central Falls Police Departments and the Rhode Island Department of Corrections.

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