PROVIDENCE - A federal grand jury in Providence on Thursday returned a two-count indictment charging Willy D. Espinal, 32, and Laura G. Martinez, 23, of Providence, with trafficking 5 kilograms of cocaine worth an estimated $150,000, announced Acting United States Attorney Stephen G. Dambruch and Colonel Ann C. Assumpico, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police.
Rhode Island State Police arrested Espinal and Martinez on Feb. 21, 2017, after troopers allegedly discovered 5 kilos of cocaine hidden inside an electronically controlled “hide" below a rear passenger compartment of a vehicle operated by Espinal. Troopers were alerted to the alleged presence of narcotics inside the vehicle by a certified narcotics detection K-9, after a trooper discovered that the vehicle had been altered consistent with the construction of a “hide." The vehicle, in which Martinez was a passenger, was stopped on Rte. 95 in West Warwick for a minor traffic violation.
Espinal and Martinez, first ordered held on Rhode Island state charges brought in this matter, have been detained in federal custody since their initial appearance in federal court on April 5, 2017.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald R. Gendron.
Homeland Security Investigations assisted Rhode Island State Police in bringing this matter to the U.S. District Court for prosecution.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
