PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A federal grand jury in Providence has returned a 26-count indictment against Robert L. Wilkins, 23, charging him with 12 counts of distribution of heroin, 12 counts of distribution of cocaine base (crack cocaine), and two counts of conspiracy.
The indictment alleges that Wilkins was involved in a heroin and crack cocaine trafficking operation in Providence, and that he sold the drugs to undercover agents on 12 separate occasions. According to the indictment, the controlled purchases of crack cocaine ranged from approximately 0.6 grams to 1.5 grams, totaling about 11.5 grams. The controlled purchases of heroin ranged from 0.3 grams to 1.6 grams, totaling approximately 12.2 grams.
Wilkins was arrested on January 8, 2014, after a high-speed car chase and brief foot chase in Providence. He was a passenger in a vehicle that allegedly rammed a federal agent’s vehicle in an effort to flee law enforcement. The driver of the vehicle is still being sought.
The FBI’s Safe Streets Violent Gang Task Force and the Providence Police Department investigated the case, which was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ly T. Chin and Paul F. Daly, Jr. Wilkins has been detained in federal custody since his arrest.
The investigation into Wilkins’ alleged drug trafficking activities began in July 2014, and it is ongoing. The indictment is merely an allegation, and Wilkins is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The penalties for conspiracy to distribute heroin, conspiracy to distribute cocaine base, distribution of heroin, and distribution of cocaine base are each punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, and supervised release up to life with a mandatory minimum term of 3 years.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ly T. Chin and Paul F. Daly, Jr. For more information on federal judicial terms and procedures, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/.
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Key Facts
- State: Rhode Island
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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