Richard Palmisano, Crack Cocaine Trafficking, Rhode Island 2014

Crack Cocaine Trafficking Lands Rhode Island Man Behind Bars

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Richard Palmisano, 41, formerly of Central Falls, has been sentenced to 150 months in federal prison for his role in a crack cocaine trafficking ring that spanned several months in 2014.

According to court documents, Palmisano was a career offender with a history of convictions dating back over twenty years, including drug trafficking, firearms, and assault charges. On February 19, 2015, he pleaded guilty to six counts of distribution of crack cocaine, as charged in a six-count indictment.

The investigation, led by ATF agents and Central Falls Police, began in the spring of 2014 and resulted in five purchases of crack cocaine from Palmisano by an undercover agent. The agent purchased between 7.45 grams and over 31 grams of crack cocaine for between $400 and $1,700.

Additionally, a search of Palmisano’s residence, conducted with the assistance of Rhode Island State Police and Providence Police, resulted in the seizure of 31 grams of crack cocaine that the undercover agent had arranged to purchase from Palmisano.

Palmisano has been in federal custody since his arrest on August 7, 2014. He will serve five years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Milind M. Shah.

With a lengthy history of convictions, Palmisano’s sentencing marks a significant blow to his latest attempt at trafficking crack cocaine in Rhode Island. His prison term serves as a reminder of the consequences of involvement in the illicit drug trade.

Contact: Jim Martin, (401) 709-5357, USARI.Media@usdoj.gov, @USAO_RI

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