22 to Watch in Rhode Island in 2022: Zachary Cunha

22 to Watch in Rhode Island in 2022: Zachary Cunha

In December, the new U.S Attorney for the State of Rhode Island was announced — Zachary Cunha. 

Cunha joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island in 2014, earning a promotion to chief of the civil division in February 2018.  

He previously served as the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Coordinator in the office, where he was responsible for cases in which the United States, as plaintiff, sought to vindicate governmental interests, combat fraud, and recover funds under the Federal False Claims Act.

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

Rhode Island, like many states, faces a myriad of issues that affect everyday residents. 

In any given week, the office announces arrests and legal proceedings in such federal matters as drug smuggling, sex trafficking and pornography, government fraud, and more.

This past summer, a Providence man who allegedly executed a scheme to defraud local businesses of more than $831,000 in seafood, was charged and ordered detained in federal custody -- and in December, pled guilty. 

In September, more than a dozen individuals previously convicted on violent crime charges, including firearm, robbery, assault, assault with intent to commit murder, and domestic violence charges, were among seventeen individuals charged in federal court.

GoLocal investigations have helped lead to federal investigations -- including a guilty plea from a man who preyed on immigrants. 

A GoLocal series into contamination at the Rhode Island Department of Transportation 6/10 construction project has sparked both state and federal investigations, including a federal grand jury.

The U.S Attorney's office has the capacity to protect and defend Rhode Islanders against significant crimes — that often impact the most vulnerable. 

Cunha will officially now be at the helm heading up his first full year in the office.

Stay tuned.