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« Gas prices down another penny | Today | Trial begins for woman accused of killing daughter » October 15, 2007Gang member, 21, admits conspiracy, gun crimesPROVIDENCE -- A member of the Laos Pride street gang pleaded guilty today to federal charges that could send him to prison for the rest of life. Nheat Nhim, 21, of 329 Webster Ave., who was was escorted into U.S. District Court in handcuffs and leg shackles, entered guilty pleas to charges of conspiracy to commit robbery, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Judge William E. Smith set sentencing for Jan. 4 at 2 p.m. The maximum penalty for the charges is life imprisonment and $750,000 in fines. Last April, Nhim and three other gang members were arrested at gunpoint in an undercover sting operation. The operation, which was supervised by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, targeted the Laos Pride street gang that has been active in Providence and Cranston. -- Journal staff writer W. Zachary Malinowski An undercover ATF agent, posing as a drug dealer from Boston, recruited Nhim and three other Laotian gang members to burst into the home of a fictitious drug dealer and grab 6 kilograms of cocaine. They were arrested on April 26 in a parking lot in Cranston. The gang members were armed with shotguns and handguns, the authorities said. Nhim is the first of the foursome to plead guilty. Assistant U. S. Attorney Peter F. Neronha said that Vixay Phommarath, 20, unknown address; and Khek Choummalaithong, 28, of 74 Pekin St., Providence; also have signed plea agreements and they are expected to formally plead to the charges in the days ahead. The fourth defendant, Souvanh Keosouvanh, 27, of 673 Atwells Ave., Providence, has pleaded not guilty. The authorities have called him the alleged leader of the gang. Posted by Brandie Jefferson CommentsAllison | October 15, 2007 10:45 PM link Is there a gang problem in Cranston? Mary | October 15, 2007 10:50 PM link Post a commentPlease be civil. Vicious comments, personal attacks and profanity won't be published. Name and email are required; email address will not publish. |
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ProJo 9 to 5 News Blog
Oct 2005 - March 2006
Good job by the Feds for seriously attacking the violent gang problem in this state.