Providence man pleads guilty to fentanyl distribution
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – A Providence man pleaded guilty to his involvement in a fentanyl distribution ring in Southern New England.
Alfredo Valdez, 46, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to his role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) in Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
The District Attorney’s Office said an investigation began in March 2021 into a DTO led by Estarlin Ortiz-Alcantara.
Valdez was identified through intercepted cellphone communication as a member of the DTO and was found during a raid at a stash house in Fall River in July 2022, per authorities.
Police said more than 12 kilograms of fentanyl were stored in various ceiling panels, blenders, a hydraulic press and baggies in the apartment with Valdez.
He and nine others were indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2022 in connection with the conspiracy.
The District Attorney’s Office said Valdez pleaded guilty on Tuesday to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.
He is the eighth defendant to plead guilty in the case, including Ortiz-Alcantara, who pleaded guilty in December 2023.
A judge scheduled Valdez’s sentencing for May 21.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million, per officials.
