Rhode Island authorities arrest multiple fugitives, drug suspects in statewide crackdown

PROVIDENCE — A sweep of arrests across Rhode Island on Dec. 4 resulted in several individuals facing charges ranging from burglary to murder, as well as various drug offenses, according to law enforcement officials.

The ACI Investigations Unit charged 57-year-old Dean Wilkinson as a Fugitive from Justice from Massachusetts for burglary.

Wilkinson, with a last known address in Pawtucket, was arraigned and handed over to the Sheriff’s Department.

Darryl Adams, 55, from West Warwick, was also charged as a fugitive for his alleged intent to distribute a Class B substance in Massachusetts.

Adams faced arraignment and was similarly released to the Sheriff’s Department.

A terroristic threats charge led to the arrest of 24-year-old Jonathan Culhane of Cranston, who was wanted by Florida authorities.

After his arraignment, Culhane was placed in the Sheriff’s Department’s custody.

Members of the unit charged 27-year-old Zachary Desrosiers of Woonsocket with possession of a controlled substance.

Desrosiers was arraigned and released to the Sheriff’s Department.

Jason Howard, a 42-year-old from Providence, was arraigned as a Fugitive from Justice on a murder charge originating from New Jersey.

Post-arraignment, Howard was released into the Sheriff’s Department’s care.

On Dec. 3, the Rhode Island Violent Fugitive Task Force, together with Massachusetts officers, arrested Brendon Furtado, 32, from Fall River, Massachusetts, on multiple charges, including felony assault and drug possession.

Furtado was taken to the Fall River Police Department for his Massachusetts charges.

The Gaming Enforcement Unit detained Shald McKenny, 46, of Providence, on charges including disorderly conduct and larceny.

McKenny was processed and held pending extradition to Massachusetts.

The task force and ATF apprehended 39-year-old Ferdinand Annicette of Woonsocket on federal drug charges.

Annicette was taken to the Rhode Island Federal Courthouse without incident.

The HIDTA Task Force arrested Xariel Olivo, 26, of Providence, and Alexis Malave Melendez, 21, also of Providence, on various drug-related charges.

Both were processed, arraigned by a Justice of the Peace, and released pending future court dates.