East Providence, Cranston police officers arrest four in narcotics case

An E.P. residence was searched in connection to the investigation

Posted 10/18/18

CRANSTON — East Providence and Cranston Police Department investigator coordinated in the arrests of four suspects in connection with the alleged distribution of narcotics.

Jonathan R. King, …

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East Providence, Cranston police officers arrest four in narcotics case

An E.P. residence was searched in connection to the investigation

Posted

CRANSTON — East Providence and Cranston Police Department investigators coordinated in the arrests of four suspects in connection with the alleged distribution of narcotics.

Jonathan R. King, Matthew F. Crosby, Michael Lanouette and Paul S. Troia, all of Cranston, were taken into custody Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 16. Search warrants for the suspects’ vehicles located on the property yielded the seizure of the following contraband: Approximately 48.4 grams of cocaine; Marijuana; Prescription pills (clonazepam); and $700 in cash. Six motor vehicles were seized from this location and are pending forfeiture proceedings.

According to a report of Cranston Police Chief Colonel Michael Winquist, at approximately 5 p.m. Wednesday, members of the Cranston Police Department Special Investigations Unit, with the assistance of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force and the East Providence Police Vice Unit, arrested three individuals suspected of illegal distribution of narcotics in Cranston.

The search warrants stemming from this investigation were also simultaneously executed in the cities of Cranston and East Providence as a result of an investigation conducted by the Cranston Police Department into information that patrons frequenting the Knightsville Pub, located at 1669 Cranston St., were utilizing the property to sell cocaine. The owner of the Knighstville Pub was also arrested for allegedly having knowledge of the illegal narcotics distribution taking place on his property and permitting the activity to occur.

The search warrant executed at 25 Ruth Ave. in East Providence, which is associated with one of the suspects (Mr. King), resulted in the seizure of additional narcotics as well as two handguns.

The individuals arrested were in Cranston Police Department custody and were scheduled to be arraigned Thursday, Oct. 18, in Third District Court in Warwick on the following charges:

Mr. King, 27, of 35 Hodsell St., Cranston for (4) Counts of Manufacturing / Possession / Delivery of Schedule I/II (Cocaine), (5) Counts of Controlled Substance Conspiracy, and (1) Count of Possession of Schedule IV (Clonazepam)

Mr. Crosby, 27, of 153 Potter St., Cranston for (6) Counts of Manufacturing / Possession / Delivery of Schedule I/II (Cocaine) and (3) Counts of Controlled Substance Conspiracy

Mr. Lanouette, 27, of 128 Turner Ave., Cranston for (2) Counts of Manufacturing / Possession / Delivery of Schedule I/II (Cocaine) and (3) Counts of Controlled Substance Conspiracy

Mr. Troia (owner of the Knightsville Pub), 48, of 986 Cranston St., Cranston for (1) Count of Maintaining a Common Nuisance / Controlled Substances

Additional charges are expected to be filed by the East Providence Police Department relating to the narcotics and firearms seized at the Ruth Avenue address.

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