Charges against municipal court judge dismissed

Criminal charges against a Cranston Municipal Court judge in connection with an alleged domestic assault have been dropped.

According to records, the charges of simple assault and disorderly conduct against 51-year-old Thomas Ricci were dismissed in Third District Court on June 26. The alleged victim in the case reportedly wrote a letter to the court indicating she did not wish to proceed with the charges. 

Ricci, a senior associate judge and attorney, was arrested in May in East Greenwich after police responded to an early-morning disturbance. The woman involved reportedly told police Ricci had shoved and choked her, leaving marks and bruises on her neck, arms and legs. Ricci denied striking the victim and said he had acted in self-defense. He also said the woman had threatened his reputation. 

Mayor Allan Fung and City Council President John Lanni had expressed concern following the arrest, given the nature of the charges and Ricci’s role on the court. Shortly after the arrest, Ricci agreed to take a leave of absence.

Man faces federal drug trafficking charges

A Cranston man is facing federal drug trafficking charges.

Dennis Bernard, 29, faces one count each of possession with the intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine, possession with the intent to distribute heroin, and distribution of crack cocaine, according to a joint release from U.S. Attorney Peter F. Neronha, Cranston Police Chief Col. Michael J. Winquist and Warwick Police Chief Col. Stephen M. McCartney. He appeared in U.S. District Court in Providence late last week and was ordered to home confinement with GPS monitoring.

According to the release, members of the Cranston Police Special Investigations Unit and Warwick Police Special Operations Group in June worked collaboratively to investigate Bernard and his alleged drug trafficking activities in both communities.

“During the investigation, a Warwick undercover detective allegedly made at least four purchases of crack cocaine,” the release reads.

Last week, a court-authorized search warrant was executed at Bernard’s home, resulting in the seizure of 45 grams of crack cocaine and nearly 21 grams of heroin hidden in a backpack and $5,000 concealed in a bathroom. Another $1,251 in cash and 2.4 grams of crack cocaine were found in the home’s kitchen, according to authorities, along with “various items used in the packaging and distribution of drugs.”

“Law enforcement also seized a BMW automobile, a Rolex watch and other assorted jewelry which the investigation revealed were allegedly purchased by Bernard with proceeds allegedly derived from the sale of crack cocaine and heroin,” the release reads. 

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Pamela E. Chin and Paul F. Daly Jr. The Rhode Island DEA Drug Task Force assisted Cranston and Warwick police in the investigation.

“Targeting those who distribute heroin and other illicit drugs in our neighborhoods will continue to be of the highest priority of the Cranston Police Department, especially in light of the continuing epidemic of opioid overdoses here in Rhode Island,” Winquist said in an email.