Judge to consider releasing former Providence officer on home confinement
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — The former Providence patrolwoman arrested during a drug raid in Pawtucket last week may soon be released on home confinement.
by: Sarah Bawden, Kate Wilkinson
Destiny Viera, 25, was taken into custody Friday morning in connection with a months-long narcotics investigation.
Viera is facing several charges, including manufacturing, delivering or possession with intent to deliver fentanyl and cocaine. She was ordered held without bail at the ACI during her initial court appearance Monday.
David Cooper, Viera’s attorney, argued that her safety is at risk while incarcerated because of her prior profession.
“She’s in prison with people who have been arrested by Providence police,” Cooper said during Viera’s initial arraignment. “Threats are being made toward her.”
Cooper also urged the judge to consider Viera’s lack of a criminal history, and the lack of evidence that she possessed or sold any drugs.
“She went out with the wrong guy who put himself in his position and dragged her into it,” Cooper said. “She’s a young woman who’s never been arrested for anything and never been accused of anything.”
Viera agreed Wednesday to push her bail hearing out two weeks so the judge has time to consider releasing her on home confinement.
“It’s highly unlikely that you would be granted bail without a home confinement condition,” Rhode Island Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Lamphear explained to Viera. “It will take some time to do that review.”
Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez told 12 News Viera graduated from the 72nd Training Academy in September and was a probationary officer.
Perez said Viera will not be retained by the Providence Police Department due to the seriousness of the charges she’s facing.
Jaylan Lopez, 24, was also taken into custody during the drug raid and is facing the same charges as Viera.
Lopez waived his right to a bail hearing Wednesday and also requested to be released on home confinement.
Lamphear said that, if he decides Lopez can be released on home confinement, then he would also have to post $50,000 surety bail.
Both Viera and Lopez will remain at the ACI until their next court date, which is slated for July 16.