Seven individuals have been indicted in connection with a year-long investigation into firearm and drug trafficking in Rhode Island. The indictments were unsealed in the U.S. District Court in Providence, as announced by Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
The investigation, which was part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, focused on activities between September 11, 2024, and April 30, 2025. During this period, Jose Rodriguez Morales, also known as Bam Bam, allegedly orchestrated the sale and delivery of significant quantities of fentanyl pills and powder, cocaine, and firearms. Some deliveries were reportedly carried out by his associates, including two brothers. Law enforcement surveilled these transactions and seized the trafficked items.
The FBI Safe Street Task Force executed multiple search warrants on June 12, 2025, in Providence and Central Falls with assistance from various law enforcement partners.
A 13-count indictment was returned on June 11, 2025. It charges:
- Jose Rodriguez Morales with conspiracy to distribute large amounts of fentanyl and other related offenses.
- Iven Rodriguez Morales with similar charges related to fentanyl distribution.
- Bryan Pacheco Morales with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and firearm possession.
- Edgar Aviles Cruz with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.
- Jashua Encarnacion with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.
- Carlos Figuereo with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.
Additionally, Christian Carrion is charged separately for distributing fentanyl-laced pills totaling 60 grams.
"These cases are part of Operation Take Back America," which aims to combat illegal immigration and eliminate cartels and transnational criminal organizations. The initiative involves resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The prosecution is led by Assistant United States Attorneys Julianne Klein and Peter I. Roklan. The ongoing investigation is spearheaded by the FBI’s Rhode Island Safe Streets Task Force along with several local law enforcement agencies.
