Armed Drug Dealer Sentenced to Eight Years in Federal Prison

PROVIDENCE - A Woonsocket man who on at least four occasions in March and April 2017 arranged for the sale and delivery of crack cocaine, and who was found to be in possession of heroin and two loaded firearms during a search of his residence, was sentenced today to eight years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and Woonsocket Police Chief Thomas Oates.

Joshua Withee, 41, was arrested by Woonsocket Police on April 19, 2017, after a court-authorized search of his residence resulted in the seizure 13.8 grams of fentanyl laced heroin, 95 grams of crack cocaine, two loaded firearms, and assorted items used in the packaging and distribution of drugs.

In the weeks leading up to the search of Withee’s residence and his arrest, a person assisting law enforcement in the investigation into Withee’s drug trafficking activities made four controlled purchases of crack cocaine from Withee.

On December 4, 2018, Withee pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Providence to a four-count information charging him with possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, possession with intent to distribute heroin, felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Today, United States District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., imposed a sentence of 96 months in federal prison to be followed by three years supervised release.

According to court records, Withee was previously convicted in Rhode Island state court and imprisoned on felony assault, drug, arson, and firearm charges.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald R. Gendron.

United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and Woonsocket Police Chief Thomas Oates acknowledge and thank the FBI for their assistance in preparing this case for prosecution in federal court.