Inmate Sentenced In Federal Prison Drug Smuggling Case Involving Guard: Feds

PROVIDENCE, RI — An inmate at the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Center was sentenced for his part in a federal prison drug smuggling case involving a guard, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Matthew Pizarro, 36, had pleaded guilty in March to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, distribution of Suboxone, and possession of contraband by an inmate, according to a media release from the U.S. Attorney's Office.

See also: Central Falls Man Arrested On Gun and Drug Charges: Cops

Pizarro was sentenced Tuesday to five years in federal prison, according to the release.

Pizarro with another inmate and others outside the facility to arrange the delivery and distribution of drugs that were delivered by now former Correctional Officer Kaii Almeida-Falcones, 31, of Smithfield.

See also: Elusive Great White Shark Captured On Video Off Rhode Island For First Time: Atlantic Shark Institute

"Wyatt Detention Center video surveillance records show that on February 14, 2021, Correctional Officer Almeida-Falcone visited Pizarro’s cell for less than a minute after which Pizzaro then visited the cell of another detainee, Emmanuel Nolasco, 38, where he remained for less than a minute," the release said. "A strip search of Nolasco revealed a package containing suboxone strips while a search of Pizarro’s cell revealed a plastic bottle containing 4.5 grams of marijuana that was located inside Pizarro’s pillowcase."

Kaii Almeida-Falcones pleaded guilty in June to providing contraband to an inmate and was sentenced in November to six months in federal prison, according to the release.

See also: Providence Man Assaulted And Kidnapped 75-Year-Old Woman From Outside Pembroke Restaurant: Cops

Nolasco pleaded guilty in June 2023 to charges of possession with intent to distribute suboxone, possession of contraband by an inmate and possession with intent to distribute suboxone, the release said

Nolasco was sentenced in November to four years in prison, according to the release.

See also: Providence Police Pitch In To Pinch ATM Shooter: Cops