Adrian Montalvo, Fentanyl Trafficking, Rhode Island 2019

Prosecutors allege that a Pawtucket couple found in possession of significant quantities of fentanyl, cash, and drug packaging materials has been indicted on drug trafficking charges.

Arrest and Indictment: 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.

Seized Evidence: 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.

Criminal Charges: Montalvo was charged 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. Lawrence was indicted 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.

Potential Penalties: 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 of 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.

Case Details: 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.

Defendant Status: An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ri/pr/two-indicted-pawtucket-police-fentanyl-trafficking-investigation