2nd West Warwick Resident Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking, Bank Fraud Charges

PROVIDENCE – Robert Wilkins, 26, of West Warwick pleaded guilty today to federal heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine trafficking charges, announced Acting United States Attorney Stephen G. Dambruch; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division; and Colonel Ann C. Assumpico, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police.

Appearing before U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith, Wilkins pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to deliver heroin, possession with the intent to deliver heroin, conspiracy to deliver 28 grams or more of cocaine base, possession with the intent to deliver cocaine base, possession with the intent to deliver cocaine, three counts of delivery of heroin, fifteen counts of delivery of cocaine base, and one count of bank fraud.

A codefendant in this matter, Christian M. Domenech, 23, of West Warwick, pleaded guilty on July 14, 2017, before U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith, to one count each of conspiracy to deliver heroin, possession with the intent to distribute heroin, possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, possession with the intent to distribute cocaine base, three counts of distribution of heroin, fifteen counts of delivery of cocaine base, and one count of bank fraud.

According to court documents and information presented to the court, a three-month investigation by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force into the defendants’ drug trafficking activity included numerous purchases from the defendants of between one gram and seven grams of crack cocaine and heroin for between $80 dollars and $350 dollars. Each transaction was monitored by law enforcement.

Additionally, a Rhode Island State Police Financial Crimes Unit investigation determined that beginning in December 2015, the defendants created and deposited bogus checks into bank accounts each established, and withdrew some of those funds. The investigation determined that Christian Domenech deposited a total of $10,000 in bogus checks and withdrew $2,000 in cash. Robert Wilkins deposited a total of $10,000 in bogus checks and withdrew a total of $2,099.55.

On July 12, 2016, FBI Safe Street Task Force agents, with the assistance of the West Warwick Police Department and the DEA, executed a court authorized search of the defendants’ West Warwick residence. Varying quantities of cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin was seized, along with approximately $800 in cash. Law enforcement also seized two vehicles.

Robert Wilkins and Christian Domenech, who have been detained in federal custody since their arrest, are scheduled to be sentenced on October 20, 2017.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald R. Gendron.

###