Seven individuals have been charged following a year-long investigation into firearm and drug trafficking in Rhode Island. Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom announced the unsealing of indictments in U.S. District Court in Providence.
The investigation, part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, focused on activities between September 2024 and April 2025. During this period, Jose Rodriguez Morales, also known as Bam Bam, allegedly orchestrated the sale and delivery of significant quantities of fentanyl pills and powder, cocaine, and firearms. Law enforcement monitored these transactions closely.
On June 12, 2025, multiple search warrants were executed in Providence and Central Falls by the FBI Safe Street Task Force alongside various law enforcement agencies.
A 13-count indictment was returned on June 11, 2025. Jose Rodriguez Morales faces charges including conspiracy to distribute large quantities of fentanyl, unlawful possession of firearms, including a machine gun and a stolen firearm. He was arrested on June 12 and remains in federal custody.
Iven Rodriguez Morales is charged with similar offenses related to fentanyl distribution and firearm possession. Bryan Pacheco Morales faces charges for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and possessing a firearm related to drug trafficking. Edgar Aviles Cruz and Jashua Encarnacion are both charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.
Carlos Figuereo was detained after being charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. Christian Carrion is accused of distributing fentanyl-laced pills totaling 60 grams.
The cases are prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Julianne Klein and Peter I. Roklan under Operation Take Back America, which aims to eliminate cartels and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime.
The ongoing investigation is led by the FBI’s Rhode Island Safe Streets Task Force with support from various state police departments and federal agencies.
