Rhode Island "Drug Runner" Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison

Rhode Island "Drug Runner" Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison

A Rhode Island man who admitted to being a “drug runner,” delivering crack cocaine at the direction of a person who took steps to disguise his own involvement in the trafficking conspiracy by having others deliver his drug orders, has been sentenced to five years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Zachary Cunha on Monday. 

Michael Fernandes, 36, of Woonsocket pleaded guilty on April 7, 2022, to conspiracy to distribute cocaine base and three counts of distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base, admitting that he delivered a total of 104.72 grams of crack cocaine at the direction of, Anthony Medeiros, 31, of Woonsocket.

 

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About Case 

According to charging documents, during an FBI Safe Streets Task Force Project Safe Neighborhoods investigation into the sale of crack cocaine in and around Woonsocket in early 2020, agents developed information that Medeiros arranged at least four sales of crack cocaine, utilizing text messaging, phone calls, and Snapchat. 

On each occasion, in an effort to insulate himself from responsibility for his role in trafficking crack cocaine, Medeiros utilized a “runners” to deliver the drugs that he sold. In at least three instances he used Fernandes to make deliveries; in another instance he allegedly had his girlfriend make a delivery.

Medeiros pleaded guilty on May 6, 2021, to conspiracy to distribute cocaine base; distribution of cocaine base; and two counts of distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base. He was sentenced on August 1, 2022, by U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy to 60 months of incarceration to be followed by four years of federal supervised release.

Fernandes was sentenced Monday by District Court Judge McElroy to 60 months of incarceration to be followed by four years of federal supervised release - the first six months of supervised release to be served at the Neil J. Houston House, a residential reentry center located in Pawtucket.

Medeiros’s girlfriend, Mariah Raymond, 28, of Woonsocket, is awaiting trial on charges of conspiracy to distribute cocaine base and distribution of cocaine base. 

A federal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacey P. Veroni.