Operation “Bussed Out” nabs 23 for drug trafficking at Kennedy Plaza

Amanda Pitts

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – The Providence Police Department announced Monday the outcome of their four-month-long investigation into drug trafficking at Kennedy Plaza in downtown Providence.

In the undercover operation named “Bussed Out”, the Providence Police Narcotics Bureau issued arrest warrants and indictments for 23 people they said were dealing drugs to undercover officers.

Of the 23, 21 were indicted and two were criminally charged.

“Twenty-three individuals in total, being charged with unlawful delivery of a controlled substance to an undercover Providence Police officer,” said Col. Hugh Clements in a press conference Monday.

Drugs seized include fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, oxycodone, and other prescription pills. A 25-caliber handgun was also seized.

“11 of the suspects are probation violators. All of the suspects have a criminal record,” added Chief Clements.

Below are the names of the 23 people and the charges they’re facing:

  • Chris Almay, unlawful delivery of Schedule IV narcotics
  • Jeremy Amaral, unlawful delivery of Schedule IV narcotics
  • Michael Andre, intent to deliver Schedule II & IV narcotics, possession of a gun with possession of intent to distribute
  • Tracey Angiollillo, unlawful delivery of Schedule III narcotics
  • Mickey Banks, unlawful delivery of Schedule III narcotics
  • Richard Britto, unlawful delivery of Schedule II narcotics
  • Lee Butler, two counts of unlawful delivery of Schedule II & IV narcotics
  • Kory Chase, unlawful delivery of Schedule III narcotics
  • Samuel Church, unlawful delivery of Schedule III narcotics
  • Joseph Ferreira, two counts of unlawful delivery of Schedule II & Schedule III narcotics & two counts of conspiracy
  • Robert Florio, unlawful delivery of Schedule III narcotics
  • Kenny Johnson, unlawful delivery of Schedule III narcotics
  • Paul Marcellus, unlawful delivery of Schedule III narcotics
  • Steven Patricio, unlawful delivery of Schedule III narcotics
  • Daniel Peterson, unlawful delivery of Schedule III narcotics
  • Leona Reels, unlawful delivery of Schedule II narcotics
  • David Rios, unlawful delivery of Schedule IV narcotics
  • Gerado Rivera, unlawful delivery of Schedule I narcotics
  • Brian Stetson, three counts of unlawful delivery of Schedule IV narcotics & three counts of conspiracy
  • David Thibeault, unlawful delivery of Schedule II narcotics
  • Theodore Thomas, unlawful delivery of Schedule II narcotics
  • Paul Travassos, unlawful delivery of Schedule III & IV narcotics
  • Ronny Walker, unlawful delivery of Schedule III narcotics

Police said they’ve been keeping a close eye on drug dealings across the city, not just at Kennedy Plaza. But operations like this one, Chief Clements said, are needed every once and a while.

“Kennedy Plaza, being a transportation hub, is a transient area, so as you can imagine many of these people come in from other towns, other cities in Rhode Island.”

Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza compared statistics at the press conference, saying in 2017 there were just over 20 homicide deaths in the state.

“You compare that to over 320 deaths by overdose.”

That’s why the department and city leaders said they’ll stay vigilant to save lives.

“By getting them off the streets and taking every ounce or trace of fentanyl off the street, we’re making sure that more people can stay alive,” said Mayor Elorza.

So far 12 people have been arrested, 11 are still at large. Police hope to have all 23 in custody by next week.

© WLNE-TV 2019

 

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