PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A joint investigation by ATF agents and
Central Falls Police has resulted in the arrest and detention of a Central
Falls resident for allegedly trafficking crack cocaine and the seizure of more
than 128 grams of crack cocaine, announced United States Attorney Peter F.
Neronha, Daniel J. Kumor, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Division
of ATF, and Central Falls Police Chief Colonel James J. Mendonca.
Richard Palmisano, 39, was ordered detained by U.S. District
Court Magistrate Judge Patricia A. Sullivan on Thursday on charges of
possession of 28 grams or more of crack cocaine and possession of 28 grams or
more of crack cocaine with the intent to distribute. According to information
presented to the court, at the time of his arrest Palmisano was serving a term
of probation on sentences imposed previously in Rhode Island state court on
convictions of first and second degree robbery.
According to an affidavit in support of a criminal complaint
filed with the court, an investigation by ATF agents and Central Falls Police
into Palmisano’s alleged drug trafficking activities allegedly included five
separate purchases of crack cocaine between April 24 and July 18, 2014, from
Palmisano of between 7.45 grams and more than 31grams of crack cocaine for
between $400 and $1,700.
According to the affidavit, it is alleged that the
undercover ATF agent continued to communicate with Palmisano, and on July 22,
2014, the agent received a text message allegedly from Palmisano which stated,
“Yo let me know if u need something?” The agent subsequently arranged a
purchase of 31 grams of crack cocaine, which was to have occurred yesterday.
According to information presented to the court, ATF agents
and Central Falls Police arrested Palmisano on Thursday as he arrived for a
scheduled appointment in Pawtucket. A court authorized search of Palmisano’s
Central Falls residence on Thursday by ATF agents and Central Falls Police,
with the assistance of Rhode Island State Police and Providence Police,
resulted in the seizure of the 31 grams of crack cocaine that was to have
allegedly been sold to the undercover agent.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney
Milind M. Shah
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