PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - A Rhode Island man who distributed crack cocaine at the direction of an inmate at the state prison was sentenced Monday to five years behind bars, authorities said.
Gerald Price, 34, of Cranston, pleaded guilty in November to delivering crack to a customer at the direction of James Gomes, who at the time was being held at the Adult Correctional Institutions.
The drug deal was set up in June 2018 during a telephone conference call between Gomes and Price, allegedly coordinated by Gomes’ mother.
Gomes telephoned his mother, who then allegedly conferenced Price into the call, prosecutors said. Gomes told Price he had a buyer who wanted to buy crack. Price agreed to deliver the drugs on Gomes’ behalf and then gave the proceeds from the sale to Gomes’ mother, according to the office of U.S. Attorney Aaron Weisman.
The buyer was actually an undercover officer.
Gomes, who pleaded guilty in October to related charges, faces sentencing next month. His mother awaits trial.
Joshua Moore, 29, of Pawtucket, was sentenced in November to five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to distributing drugs at Gomes’ direction.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.