PROVIDENCE – William Mendez, the leader of a significant drug trafficking conspiracy, has been sentenced to fourteen years in federal prison. This announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom. Mendez, 51, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy to 168 months of incarceration followed by five years of supervised release.
In October 2024, Mendez admitted guilt to charges related to conspiracy for possessing and distributing cocaine and fentanyl. His illegal activities included distributing cocaine base, powder cocaine, and approximately 769.5 grams of fentanyl to a government agent.
Mendez's arrest in September 2021 came after he had served over twenty-two years in prison for multiple serious felony drug convictions and violent felony assault convictions. At the time of his arrest, he was on state probation following a nearly seven-year term in Rhode Island state prison.
The investigation into this drug trafficking operation involved collaboration between the FBI Safe Street Task Force, DEA, and Providence Police Narcotics Bureau.
Several other individuals connected to the conspiracy have also been charged and sentenced:
- Ramon Barriera received a sentence of 70 months.
- Rafael Cruz was sentenced to time served.
- Nelson Hazin received time served.
- Ricardo Martinez Jr. was sentenced to 78 months.
- Jonathan Masa-Gonzalez received a sentence of 60 months.
- Juan Betancourt Sosa was sentenced to 70 months.
- Victor Yandel Aponte-Cirano received time served.
- Keven Restrepo was sentenced to 77 months.
- Juan Gonzalez received a sentence of 72 months.
- Charles Sims was sentenced to time served.
Two individuals are awaiting sentencing: Anthony Lacoste is scheduled for July 22, 2025; Karla Rivera-Rosa is awaiting a court date. Felix Robles is awaiting trial.
During Mendez's arrest, law enforcement seized approximately $78,000 in drug proceeds.
The prosecution team includes Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stacey A. Erickson and Taylor A. Dean with assistance from Christine D. Lowell and Sandra R. Hebert.
Acting United States Attorney Bloom expressed gratitude towards various law enforcement agencies including the FBI, DEA, Providence Police Department as well as other local police departments for their roles in this investigation and arrests.
