Pawtucket Man Charged with Trafficking Crack Cocaine, Fentanyl

PROVIDENCE, RI – A federal criminal complaint was filed in U.S. District Court in Providence today charging David J. Reis, 40, of Pawtucket, with trafficking crack cocaine and fentanyl.

The filing of the federal criminal complaint charging Reis with possession with the intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base and possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl is announced by Acting United States Attorney Stephen G. Dambruch; Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves; and Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England Field Division.

According to federal court documents, the Pawtucket Police Special Squad Narcotic Unit received information that Reis was allegedly distributing large amounts of cocaine throughout the city of Pawtucket. As part of the investigation, on November 1, 2017, members of the Pawtucket Police Special Squad Narcotic Unit executed a court authorized search of Reis’ residence and seized nearly 200 grams of crack cocaine, 10 small plastic bags with a substance that tested positive for fentanyl, and packaging materials and cutting agents consistent with the distribution of narcotics.

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.

Reis is currently being held in state custody on Rhode Island state charges brought by the Pawtucket Police Department.

The case in federal court is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ly T. Chin.

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