Wyatt Detention Center Inmate Gets Year for Contraband Possession

PROVIDENCE – A federal detainee at the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Center was handed a 12-month sentence today for conspiracy and providing and possessing contraband in prison, according to Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.

Anthony Whyte, 50, of Providence, RI, pleaded guilty on May 8, 2025, before U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr. The charges stem from an incident where Whyte took possession of multiple documents that appeared to have been contaminated with synthetic cannabinoids from a visitor.

Whyte arranged for the delivery of these pages through recorded telephone conversations, revealed court documents. He was caught with the contraband moments after taking possession, at which time he was detained for an unrelated matter in the District of Connecticut.

The FBI analyzed one of the eight pages and confirmed it had been treated with synthetic cannabinoids. Assistant United States Attorney Paul F. Daly, Jr., handled the prosecution, while the investigation was led by the FBI with support from the Wyatt Detention Center Professional Standards Unit.

Whyte’s sentence underscores the stringent measures in place to prevent contraband from entering correctional facilities. The sentence will be served concurrently with any other sentences Whyte may have pending against him.

Acting U.S. Attorney Miron Bloom emphasized the importance of prison security and the role of law enforcement in deterring such activities, stating, “The justice system will not tolerate attempts to undermine the integrity of our correctional facilities.”

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