Alleged Gang Member Detained for Allegedly Trafficking Crack Cocaine

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Jaheem Benton, 26, of Pawtucket, an alleged member of the YNIC street gang, has been ordered detained in federal custody for allegedly trafficking crack cocaine, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha and Daniel J. Kumor, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Benton was arrested on Wednesday by members of an ATF Task Force consisting of federal and local law enforcement agents and officers who have been investigating for the past several months Benton’s alleged gang and drug trafficking activities. Benton was ordered detained on Thursday during his initial appearance in U.S. District Court before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Lincoln D. Almond on a criminal complaint charging him with possession of crack cocaine with the intent to distribute.

According to court documents and information presented to the court, it is alleged that on at least six occasions since January, Benton allegedly sold a person who was assisting law enforcement in their investigation of Benton plastic baggies containing crack cocaine. Each of the alleged transactions was monitored by law enforcement.

A court authorized search of Benton’s residence on Wednesday resulted in the seizure of approximately 1.2 grams of crack cocaine and numerous items used in the packaging and distribution of crack cocaine.

According to court records and information presented to the court, Benton was previously convicted in Rhode Island state court on multiple counts of assault and multiple firearms charges.

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.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Milind M. Shah.

The ATF Task Force consists of agents and officers from ATF; Providence, Cranston and Central Falls Police Departments; and the Special Investigations Unit at the Rhode Island Department of Corrections. Pawtucket Police assisted the ATF Task Force in the investigation of this matter.