Federal Grand Jury Indicts Two in Pawtucket Police Department Fentanyl Trafficking Investigation
PROVIDENCE – A Pawtucket couple allegedly found to be in possession of significant quantities of fentanyl, cash, and drug packaging materials were indicted by a federal grand jury today on drug trafficking charges, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves.
Adrian Montalvo, 32, and Erin Lawrence, 34, were arrested by members of the Pawtucket Police Narcotics Division on October 1, 2019, simultaneous to the execution of a court-authorized search of their residence by Pawtucket Police Detectives. The search resulted in the seizure of 2,118.35 grams of fentanyl contained in more than five-dozen plastic baggies.
Additionally, law enforcement seized a loaded Glock 26 handgun, 62 individual bags containing fentanyl, $79,106 in cash - $73,000 of which was located in a locked safe - and various items used in the packaging and sale of illegal narcotic drugs.
The grand jury today returned an indictment charging Adrian Montalvo with conspiracy to possess with intent to deliver 400 grams or more of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The grand jury indicted Lawrence on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to deliver 400 grams or more of fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.
Conspiracy to possess with intent to deliver 400 grams or more of fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl are each punishable by statutory penalties of a minimum mandatory 10 years up to life in federal prison and at least 5 years supervised release. Possession of a firearm in furtherance pf a drug trafficking crime is punishable by a mandatory minimum 5 years up to life imprisonment consecutive to any other sentences imposed in this matter.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ronald R. Gendron.
United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman thanks the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for their assistance to the Pawtucket Police Department in the investigation of this matter. U.S. Attorney Weisman also thanks the DEA for their support during the execution of the court-authorized search of the defendants’ residence.
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