Additional federal charges have been filed against two defendants in the ongoing investigation of alleged criminal activities by members and associates of the East Side/Congress gang and affiliated Providence-area street gangs, authorities announced on Aug. 4.
First Assistant United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda and Thomas A. Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Boston Field Division, said that arraignments are now complete for all arrested defendants connected to the racketeering indictment. Nineteen defendants were ordered detained pending trial, two were released on bond, and four—Jose Bautista, Marcus McClain, Marlon McClain, and Randy Winfield—remain at large as law enforcement continues efforts to locate them.
On July 22, additional charges were brought against Dele Souza and Keshawn Jones for narcotics and firearms offenses. Both had previously been named in a June 17 racketeering indictment charging twenty-three associates and members of The Enterprise. Three other individuals also face related charges. According to court documents, The Enterprise has operated since at least 2013 across Providence, Pawtucket, Central Falls, and other areas. Prosecutors allege its members advanced interests through violence, narcotics trafficking—including fentanyl and cocaine—firearms offenses, and fraud schemes targeting unemployment insurance programs and COVID-19 relief funds.
Calenda said, “For more than a decade, members and associates of this enterprise used violence, firearms, narcotics trafficking, and fraud to strengthen their influence… This indictment reflects years of work conducted by the ATF [and] the Providence Police Department… to dismantle an organization that prosecutors allege relied on fear… to maintain its power.” Greco said, “These arrests represent a significant victory for the City of Providence in the culmination of a long-term effort… ATF remains firmly committed to working with our law enforcement partners to build safer communities.” Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez said, “This case demonstrates our shared commitment to holding offenders accountable…” IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent Thomas Demeo added, “Organized street gangs have preyed on the Providence area for far too long… IRS-CI is proud to… ensure that those who seek to do harm see their day in court.”
During Souza’s arrest on June 17, investigators recovered a loaded Glock .40 caliber pistol along with fentanyl and cocaine; he was charged with felon-in-possession-of-a-firearm offenses as well as possession with intent to distribute drugs. In Jones’s residence, agents found approximately 65 grams of cocaine leading to further federal narcotics charges.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Rhode Island enforces federal laws across Rhode Island through prosecutions that safeguard public safety while working alongside agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms & Explosives (ATF), according to its official website. All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.