Francisco Fernandez, Cocaine Trafficking, Rhode Island 2017

A Massachusetts man has pleaded guilty to trafficking nearly two kilograms of cocaine in Rhode Island, with the discovery made during a routine traffic stop.

Francisco Fernandez, 43, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Providence, Rhode Island, to possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

The cocaine was discovered inside Fernandez’s vehicle by a Rhode Island State Police trooper during a traffic stop on February 11, 2017, on Interstate 95 in West Greenwich.

Fernandez did not have a valid driver’s license at the time of the stop, and a further check revealed an active arrest warrant out of Massachusetts for Fernandez.

During an inventory of Fernandez’s vehicle prior to being towed, nearly two kilograms of cocaine was discovered inside a backpack located on the front passenger floorboard.

Fernandez, who is detained in federal custody, is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., on September 1, 2017.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ly T. Chin, with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorney Zechariah Chafee.

The announcement of Fernandez’s guilty plea is made by Acting United States Attorney Stephen G. Dambruch; Colonel Ann C. Assumpico, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police; and Matthew J. Etre, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations for New England.

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