Anthony Shukri Nelson Criminal Complaint and Arrest

Convicted Drug Trafficker Detained on Federal Methamphetamine and Cocaine Trafficking Charges

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A Pawtucket man previously convicted and incarcerated in Massachusetts and Rhode Island on drug trafficking charges has been ordered detained in federal custody in Rhode Island on charges that he delivered methamphetamine and cocaine laced with fentanyl on at least three occasions while under surveillance by members of the FBI’s Rhode Island Safe Streets Gang Task Force, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.

Anthony Shukri Nelson, 41, is charged by way of a federal criminal complaint with distribution of five grams or more of methamphetamine, distribution of cocaine, and drug trafficking.

Charging documents allege that on three occasions between February 16 and February 23, 2022, Nelson delivered a total of approximately 37 grams of methamphetamine and 11.5 grams of cocaine laced with fentanyl to another individual in exchange for cash. A court-authorized search of the Pawtucket residence Nelson shares with his girlfriend resulted in the seizure of approximately 225 grams of cocaine containing fentanyl and more than $23,750 in cash.

A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

According to court records, Nelson was previously convicted in federal court in Massachusetts and sentenced to 58 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine; in Massachusetts state court for drug trafficking and sentenced to 5 years to 5 years and a day in prison; and in Rhode Island state court for drug trafficking and sentenced to 10 years in prison, 5 years to serve.

Nelson was on Rhode Island state probation at the time of his arrest on Tuesday.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacy P. Veroni.