Cranston, Warwick Police Investigation Leads to Federal Drug Trafficking Charges

Dennis Bernard, 29, of Cranston, arrested by Cranston and Warwick Police on Thursday on federal drug trafficking charges, was ordered to home confinement with GPS monitoring following an initial appearance today in U.S. District Court in Providence, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha, Cranston Police Chief Colonel Michael J. Winquist and Warwick Police Chief Colonel Stephen M. McCartney.

Bernard is charged by way of a criminal complaint with one count each of possession with the intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine, possession with the intent to distribute heroin, and distribution of crack cocaine.

 

According to an affidavit in support of a criminal complaint filed with the court, during the month of June, members of the Cranston Police Special Investigations Unit and the Warwick Police Special Operations Group worked collaboratively to investigate Bernard’s alleged drug trafficking activities in Cranston and Warwick. During the investigation, a Warwick undercover detective allegedly made at least four purchases of crack cocaine.

 

On Thursday, one day after the alleged fourth purchase, law enforcement executed a court authorized search warrant at Bernard’s Cranston residence where they located and seized nearly 45 grams of crack cocaine and nearly 21 grams of heroin stashed inside a backpack found hidden in bedroom closet, and $5,000 in cash found concealed inside a panel in a bathroom. Additionally, law enforcement seized $1,251 in cash and 2.4 grams of crack cocaine located in the kitchen, and various items used in the packaging and distribution of drugs.

 

Law enforcement also seized a BMW automobile, a Rolex watch and other assorted jewelry which the investigation revealed were allegedly purchased by Bernard with proceeds allegedly derived from the sale of crack cocaine and heroin.

 

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

 

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Pamela E. Chin and Paul F. Daly, Jr.

 

The Rhode Island DEA Drug Task Force assisted Cranston and Warwick Police in the investigation of this matter.