PROVIDENCE - Gregory Lee, 48, of Provincetown, MA, was ordered detained in federal custody following an initial appearance today in U.S. District Court in Providence on a criminal complaint charging him with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Lee was arrested by Warwick Police on Saturday after they allegedly seized more than 230 grams of methamphetamine from his vehicle.
According to an affidavit in support of a criminal complaint, it is alleged that Warwick Police received a call Saturday morning reporting that an individual was passed out in a vehicle parked in a retail store parking lot. After several attempts, an officer was able to roust Lee, who appeared nervous and then began to look around his vehicle, under his body and legs, and grab various items within the vehicle. An officer ordered Lee to exit the vehicle.
According to the affidavit, after Lee exited the vehicle, at least twice he allegedly attempted to the shield the interior of the vehicle from police. After allegedly denying he was in possession of any illegal narcotics, Lee agreed to allow the officers to search his vehicle. It is alleged in the affidavit that inside a backpack located on the front seat of the vehicle officers seized two large plastic bags, which tested positive for methamphetamine. The bags of methamphetamine weighed 115.9 and 115.6 grams respectively.
Lee’s arrest and detention are announced by Acting United States Attorney Stephen G. Dambruch and Warwick Police Chief Colonel Stephen M. McCartney.
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. Attorney Ly T. Chin.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
