Since I have been in office as Attorney General, one of the events that I look forward to hosting each year is the Justice Awards. Instituted 14 years ago by former Attorney General Patrick Lynch, the Justice Awards is an opportunity to recognize individual and organizational excellence and commitment to justice and community.
Each Justice Award is presented in honor of one of Rhode Island’s eight previous Attorneys General: Herbert DeSimone, Richard Israel, Dennis Roberts, Arlene Violet, James O’Neil, Jeffrey Pine, Sheldon Whitehouse, and Patrick Lynch.
This year, I was honored to welcome back former AGs Dennis Roberts, Arlene Violet, Jim O’Neil, and U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse to help me present the awards. It’s always a pleasure for me to catch up with those who have served in this position and to celebrate their legacies with these awards.
As testament to the scope of the AG’s Office, the awards are presented to individuals who have made a difference in areas that range from environmental and consumer protection to domestic violence prevention and law enforcement. Each of these honorees, as with all the Justice Awards alumni, were selected because of the positive and lasting impression they made in some way through their actions and professionalism. They were chosen from a multitude of nominations, all of which demonstrate how fortunate we are to have dedicated individuals going above and beyond their duties on behalf of fellow Rhode Islanders.
There are so many hard working, dedicated individuals who quietly go about doing their job every day without any expectation of being recognized for their good works, their commitment to helping others, and for making Rhode Island a stronger, safer place. The recipients of this year’s Justice Awards are among those quiet heroes, and they deserve our respect and gratitude.
Please join me in congratulating this year’s Justice Award recipients:
AAA Northeast received the Attorney General Arlene Violet Justice Award for Consumer Protection for helping motorists through legislative advocacy, traffic safety education, and community outreach, and for being a consistent leader in the area of consumer protection and road safety measures.
Detective Ryan Hughes and Lieutenant Guy Riendeau of the Burrillville Police Department and Special Assistant Attorney General Malena Lopez Mora received the Attorney General Jim O’Neil Justice Award for Crime Prevention for the development of a public awareness and educational campaign on the legal and lifelong consequences of sharing illicit photos of juveniles after the explosive discovery and investigation of the file sharing scandal at Burrillville High School.
Former Barrington High School students Chris Sarli, Kieran Eagan, Matt Collyer, Hayden Ivatts and Stephen Johnstonreceived the Attorney General Dennis Roberts Justice Award for Domestic Violence Prevention for the development of the Silent 911 app to help victims of domestic violence secretly contact law enforcement without the abuser being aware.
Pawtucket Police Detective Scott Sullivan received the Attorney General Herbert DeSimone Justice Award for Drug Enforcement for his 17 exemplary years assigned to the Special Squad, where he has investigated major crimes such as narcotics possession and distribution, firearm-related offenses, human trafficking, illegal gambling, and prostitution.
John O’Brien, Partnership Specialist with the Nature Conservancy, received the Attorney General Jeff Pine Justice Award for Environmental Protection for his more than 45 years of public and non-profit service to ensuring opportunities for all to access and enjoy the beauty of Rhode Island’s coastline and waterways.
Cheryl Patnaude, Elder Justice Advocate for the Saint Elizabeth Community’s Safe Haven for Elder Justice, received the Attorney General Richard Israel Justice Award for Senior Protection for her lifelong dedication to providing services and advocacy for older Rhode Islanders.
Central Falls Police Sergeant Derrick Levasseur and Officers Yomaira Rodriguez and Bari Cameron received the Attorney General Patrick Lynch Justice Award for Law Enforcement, Uniform, for their heroic actions on January 28, 2017 that saved seven individuals from a house fire.
Detective Timothy Grant, Warwick Police Department, received the Attorney General Sheldon Whitehouse Justice Award for Law Enforcement, Non-Uniform, for his work on numerous high- profile, joint federal/state investigations as a member of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement/Homeland Security Investigations Task Force.
Sergeant Gregory Cunningham, Rhode Island State Police,received a special Justice Award from Attorney General Peter Kilmartin for his commitment to help educate young drivers on the dangers and consequences of distracted driving through his long-time participation in the “It Can Wait” program.
It’s important to take some time to appreciate the contributions of people such as this year’s Justice Award recipients, who each went that extra mile to improve the life of another in need or their community. On behalf of my former Attorneys General, the staff of the Attorney General’s Office, and the people of this great state, thank you.
Sincerely,
Peter F. Kilmartin
Six Alleged Street Gang Members and Associates Indicted for Allegedly Violating the Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organization Act
AG Kilmartin speaks to the media about the joint investigation that resulted in the federal RICO indictment for six known members of the Chad Brown gang in Providence.
AG Kilmartin this week joined US Attorney Stephen Dambruch, Providence Public Safety Commissioner Steven M. Paré, and agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) at a press conference to announce the results of a multi-year joint investigation that resulted in the federal RICO indictment of six men who are alleged to be associated with a criminal enterprise generally known as Chad Brown, a known criminal gang associated with the Chad Brown Housing project. The indictment alleges the individuals violated the RICO Act by allegedly engaging in attempted murders, felony assaults, federal firearms offenses, drug trafficking and obstruction of justice.
The violent criminal acts were allegedly carried out by members of the criminal enterprise with the use of firearms, in violation of federal law. Four of the individuals named in the indictment are alleged to have participated in drive-by shootings in Providence that, according to the indictment and information presented to the Court, were in retaliation for felony assaults, shootings, and murders of Chad Brown gang members or associates, or members of other street gangs allied with the Chad Brown street gang. In at least one instance, in an apparent case of mistaken identity, multiple shots were fired into a car driven by a person who was not the intended target.
Utilizing technology provided by the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives linked six shootings in Providence to the same firearm, allegedly owned by one of the defendants, and shared among gang members. Three of the shootings charged in the indictment involved that handgun.
“The gun and gang violence perpetrated by this criminal enterprise is fueled by long-simmering feuds that has wreaked chaos and fear throughout every corner of our capital city. The actions of these defendants individually and collectively are extremely violent, show an utter disregard for human life, and cannot be allowed to flourish or further infect this community,” said AG Kilmartin.
“Addressing these criminal enterprises requires great cooperation between law enforcement agencies at every level. Working hand in glove with Providence Police and our state and federal partners, we have identified those responsible for the criminal enterprise, and we will use every available legal avenue to shut down and put an end to the organized and senseless violence being wreaked by these gangs,” added AG Kilmartin.
AG Kilmartin Urges CFPB to Protect Military Servicemembers From Financial Exploitation
AG Kilmartin recently joined a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general calling on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and Acting Director Mick Mulvaney to continue protecting military servicemembers against predatory lenders under the Military Lending Act (MLA). The attorneys general urge the CFPB to reconsider its reported decision to stop examining lenders to ensure they are complying with the MLA.
“The duty of protecting our nation is so important that anything we can do to help safeguard the finances of our servicemen and women and lessen their worry about the financial security of their families back home is worthwhile. I join my colleagues in strongly urging the CFPB to continue its watchdog role over military lending practices,” said AG Kilmartin.
The MLA, enacted in 2006, protects military servicemembers and their families against exploitative lenders and loans so that servicemembers aren’t overburdened with debt. The CFPB has the authority to examine lenders’ compliance with the MLA to detect potential risks to consumers and ensure that military servicemembers aren’t being offered illegal loans. This is especially important for younger servicemembers who have less experience managing their own finances and may be more vulnerable to predatory loans.
Approximately 60 percent of military families report experiencing stress related to their financial condition. Servicemembers in financial distress may have their security clearance revoked and be compelled to leave the military, resulting in the loss of well-trained servicemembers and additional financial burdens for the military.
Anthony Sudduth Pleads to DUI Charges for May 2018 Crash that Seriously Injured Seven-Year-Old Girl
AG Kilmartin announced recently that Anthony Sudduth (age 48), of Narragansett, pleaded nolo contendere to DUI resulting in serious bodily injury and driving to endanger resulting in injury for the May 9, 2018 DUI crash that seriously injured seven-year-old Haylee Molina in Warwick. In addition, Sudduth admitted he was in violation of a 2016 domestic violence conviction at the time of the crash. The plea took place in Kent County Superior Court before Justice Bennett R. Gallo.
Under the terms of the plea agreement, Sudduth was sentenced to a total of 15 years with six years to serve and the remainder suspended with probation on the DUI and driving to endanger charges, plus an additional five years to serve on the probation violation, for a total sentence of 15 years with 11 years to serve and the remainder suspended with probation. In addition, Sudduth lost his license for five years and must undergo alcohol counseling.
Had the case proceeded to trial, the State was prepared to prove that on May 9, 2018 at approximately 6 p.m., the defendant was operating a motor vehicle at a high rate of speed in a residential neighborhood in Warwick when he failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection of King Street and Greenwich Avenue, striking seven-year-old Haylee Molina as she was crossing the street on her scooter. The defendant then crashed the motor vehicle through a fence into a park where it came to a stop approximately 100 yards from the roadway. The defendant exited his vehicle and attempted to leave the scene on foot but was detained by bystanders.
Once on scene, Warwick Police immediately noticed signs of intoxication. The defendant failed field sobriety tests and was subsequently transported to the hospital to have blood drawn. Blood analysis determined the defendant’s blood alcohol content to be .380, nearly five times the legal limit, at the time of the crash.
“Every single motor vehicle crash in which alcohol or drugs are a factor are one hundred percent avoidable. This defendant chose to get behind the wheel drunk, and as a result of his actions, nearly killed an innocent seven-year-old girl. Thankfully, with the care of great doctors and the love and support of family and friends, Haylee is on the long road to recovery,” said Attorney General Peter Kilmartin.
The Warwick Police conducted the investigation and Special Assistant Attorney General Peter Roklan prosecuted the case on behalf of the Office of the Attorney General.
Former AG Arlene Violet and members of AAA Northeast
Former AG Jim O’Neil, Special Assistant AG Malena Lopez Mora, Burrillville Police Det. Ryan Hughes, Burrillville Police Lt. Guy Riendeau, Burrillville Police Col. Stephen Lynch, and AG Kilmartin
Former AG Dennis Roberts, Christopher Sarli, Hayden Iyatts, Stephen Johnston, Susan Collyer (mother of Matt Collyer), Lisa Egan (mother of Matt Egan), and Barrington High School teacher Mario Correia
U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, Pawtucket Police Det. Scott Sullivan, and AG Kilmartin
AG Kilmartin, John O’Brien, and John Torgan
Former AG Arlene Violet, Cheryl Patnaude, and AG Kilmartin
AG Kilmartin, Central Falls Police Officer Yomaira Rodriguez, Central Falls Police Col. James Mendonca, and Central Falls Mayor James Diossa
U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse and Warwick Police Det. Timothy Grant
AG Kilmartin and R.I. State Police Sgt. Gregory Cunningham
AG Kilmartin Speaks About Distracted Driving at Teen Driver Summit
AG Kilmartin recently spoke at the Rhode Island Teen Driver Summit hosted by AAA Northeast about his role as attorney general and why the issue of distracted driving and the need to change driving laws is so important to him.
AAG Joee Lindbeck Speaks at Non-Opioid Pain Management Symposium
Assistant AG Joee Lindbeck (standing, far right), recently presented at the Non-Opioid Pain Management Symposium, hosted by the Community College of Rhode Island, on the important role alternative pain management therapies play in combating the opioid crisis.
AG Kilmartin Talks About Law at Park View Middle School
AG Kilmartin recently spoke to eighth grade students in “The Law and You Pathway” at Park View Middle School in Cranston.
“It Can Wait” Kicks Off At Shea High School
AG Kilmartin recently began a new round of “It Can Wait” visits to educate students on the dangers of distracted driving at the Charles E. Shea High School in Pawtucket. Pictured (seated) is R.I. State Police Sgt. Gregory Cunningham, who was also a featured speaker.
Now in its sixth year, the program is offered by AG Kilmartin’s office in partnership with the Rhode Island State Police and AT&T.
Principal Jacqueline Ash (center) was presented with a citation for hosting the assembly.
Collecting Winter Apparel For Those in Need
AG Kilmartin is partnering with the Neighborhood Alliance of Pawtucket to collect winter apparel as part of the annual “Warm Hearts Coats & Stuff” Drive.
Now through Friday, November 16th, the public can donate new or slightly worn winter coats, scarves, hats and gloves for children and adults at the Attorney General’s new Customer Service Center, located at 4 Howard Avenue at the Pastore Complex in Cranston.
The office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
2017 Annual Report
The Office of Attorney General’s 2017 Annual Report is now available online. The report provides a comprehensive look at the previous year’s highlights as well as a summary of significant criminal and civil cases handled by the Office. To read the report, click here.
AG Kilmartin recently spoke at the Rhode Island Teen Driver Summit hosted by AAA Northeast about his role as attorney general and why the issue of distracted driving and the need to change driving laws is so important to him.
Assistant AG Joee Lindbeck (standing, far right), recently presented at the Non-Opioid Pain Management Symposium, hosted by the Community College of Rhode Island, on the important role alternative pain management therapies play in combating the opioid crisis.
AG Kilmartin recently spoke to eighth grade students in “The Law and You Pathway” at Park View Middle School in Cranston.
Principal Jacqueline Ash (center) was presented with a citation for hosting the assembly.
