Dominican National Admits Role in Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - A Dominican National, who has resided in both Rhode Island and New Jersey, today admitted to a federal court judge in Providence that he participated in a drug trafficking conspiracy that trafficked cocaine into Rhode Island via the U.S. Postal Service, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.

Patri Hiciano Felix, 25, admitted that, as a member of a criminal drug conspiracy, he worked with others to have parcels of cocaine shipped via U.S. Priority Mail from Puerto Rico to addresses in Rhode Island. Hiciano also admitted that he coordinated with co-conspirators for the retrieval of the parcels of cocaine, including a parcel that contained 1,070 grams of cocaine that was sent to a residence in Johnston and was scheduled for delivery in March 2022.

Appearing in U.S. District Court, Hiciano pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. He is scheduled to be sentenced on August 22, 2023. The defendant's sentences will be determined by a federal judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise M. Barton, with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorney Milind M. Shah.

The matter was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service.