Mayor Smiley, Colonel Perez Announce Arrest of 22 Individuals Involved in Illegal Drug Sales in Kennedy Plaza

Monday, September 23

Mayor Brett P. Smiley and Colonel Oscar L. Perez, Jr. announced that following a month-long investigation, the Providence Police Department obtained 22 arrest warrants for individuals involved in the organized possession and distribution of illegal narcotics in the Kennedy Plaza area. The majority of the 22 suspects have criminal histories with 14 of the suspects having previous felony/violent crime convictions to include: Robbery, Sexual Assault, Felony Assault, Illegal Firearms Offenses, Drug Distribution Offenses and Domestic Violence. 10 of these suspects are probation violators and includes one subject who was also apprehended in the previous Kennedy Plaza operation.

"Since taking office I have prioritized investments and strategies that elevate public safety, improve behavioral health supports and promote nonviolence throughout Downtown and across our city," said Mayor Brett Smiley. "I commend the Providence Police Department for this incredible milestone in ensuring that this area remains safe for the many individuals that live, work and visit Providence every day. My Administration will continue to invest in innovative public safety programs and new police academies that help to ensure we have more officers present on patrol and in our neighborhoods and are better able to hold perpetrators of these crimes accountable."

Throughout this investigation, members of the Providence Police Department Narcotics Bureau, with assistance from Patrol Bureau, conducted an undercover investigation in the Downtown area of Kennedy Plaza to address the distribution and use of illegal narcotics. The majority of the individuals charged in this undercover operation are from Providence and on probation from prior arrests. During this operation, the subjects were charged with various counts of Unlawful Delivery of Cocaine and Conspiracy. Throughout this investigation, the Narcotics Bureau worked closely on this case with the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office and the Rhode Island Toxicology Lab.

"I want to commend and thank the men and women of the Providence Police Department for their tireless efforts to keep our community safe and remove illegal narcotics from our neighborhoods," said Colonel Oscar L. Perez, Jr. "The illegal possession and distribution of narcotics in Providence is not tolerated and this milestone investigation should send a clear message to our community that individuals who engage in unlawful activity will be held accountable."