Inmate And His Mom Allegedly Ran Cocaine Ring Inside RI Prison

CRANSTON, RI — An inmate at the Adult Correctional Institutions — with help on the outside from his mom —allegedly ran a cocaine ring inside the prison. Two other inmates have also been indicted in the conspiracy. James Gomes, 29, and two other accused conspirators are "alleged to be members or associates of the C-Block street gang," the U.S. Attorney's Office said.

According to court papers, Gomes ran the conspiracy. He and his mother, Lisa Ellis, 50, of Pawtucket, have been charged with conspiracy, distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base, and three counts of distribution of cocaine base.

Joshua Moore, 28, of Pawtucket, and Gerald Price, 33, of Cranston, were also indicted. Moore was charged with conspiracy and three counts of distribution of cocaine base, and Price was charged with conspiracy and distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base. They're both inmates.

Gomes would call his mother and tell her to make conference calls to Moore and Price, the office said. On the conference calls, he'd allegedly give them instructions about selling crack. They sold 112 grams, the prosecutors allege.

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