NORTH SCITUATE, R.I. (WPRI) – A multi-state, multi-agency investigation into alleged local drug activity led to the seizure of nearly four dozen pounds of marijuana and more than $300,000 in cash last week, Rhode Island State Police Superintendent Col. Steven O’Donnell announced in a press release on Tuesday.
Members of the Rhode Island High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force launched an investigation during the last week of January. They were focused on the activity of a then-unknown white male suspect referred to as “J.” Police believed “J” – along with an alleged partner known as “Ross” – was operating a large-scale marijuana distribution organization that spanned from Northern Rhode Island to nearby Connecticut towns.
The Task Force’s two suspects were quickly identified as Jeremy Corrao and Ross Vance. Police believed Corrao, 32, and Vance, 30, both from Connecticut, were growing marijuana at various locations and distributing several-pound packages of the drug to other dealers operating in the Scituate, Foster and Connecticut area.
Police believe the two men operated a hydroponics growing business headquartered in Putnam Pike in Glocester, R.I.
Last Friday, police executed five search warrants at the following locations: 17 Fairground Way in Scituate, 42 Tucker Hollow Road in Scituate, 14 Carue Drive in Scituate, 42 Lorraine Avenue in North Smithfield and 47 Pulaski Road in Glocester. Each of the locations was believed to be connected with Corrao and Vance’s alleged operation, either as a growing or distribution site.
Friday’s five searches resulted in the seizure of approximately 228 marijuana plants, various drug equipment and $19,678 in cash. During the searches, police also located two alleged “runners” – or, street-level dealers – who were in possession of a total of 16 pounds of marijuana. The runners, identified as Connecticut residents Timothy Warner and Christopher Goyette, were each arrested that day.
On Monday, police executed two more search warrants: one at 68 Laurel Avenue in Coventry and the other at Corrao’s home address in Danielson, Conn. The Coventry search resulted in the seizure of 20 marijuana plants, more drug equipment and 25 pounds of processed marijuana.
At Corrao’s residence, police said they found around five pounds of marijuana and $293,000 in cash.
In total, the seven search warrants believed to be connected to Corrao’s alleged drug activity resulted in the seizure of:
248 marijuana plants
46 pounds of processed marijuana
$312,678 in U.S. cash
Jeremy Corrao was arraigned on Monday and charged with possession of marijuana in excess of five kilograms, controlled substance conspiracy and possession with intent to deliver Schedule I/II narcotics. He was ordered held without bail.
Corrao’s alleged partner, Ross Vance, has a lengthy criminal history in Conn. and Mass., according to police. He is currently on “supervised release status” in relation to a prior charge of possessing narcotics in Connecticut.
Warner, 32, was arraigned on a charge of conspiracy to violate the controlled substance act. He was released on $5,000 surety bail.
Goyette, 29, was arraigned on charges of possession of marijuana with intent to deliver and conspiracy to violate the controlled substance act. He was released on $5,000 surety bail.
The Rhode Island High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, managed by the R.I. State Police, is comprised of members from the Rhode Island National Guard, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the federal ATF bureau and officers from the Providence, Pawtucket, Johnston, Smithfield, Central Falls, and North Providence Police Departments.