Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin announced that yesterday Justin Pine (age 27), of 702 Main Street, Pawtucket, RI, pleaded nolo contendere before Superior Court Magistrate John F. McBurney to possession of a firearm after being convicted of a crime of violence and possession of a firearm without a license. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Pine was sentenced to 20 years with ten years to serve and the remainder suspended with probation.
Had the case proceeded to trial, the State was prepared to prove that on March 13, 2015, Pine, having been previously convicted of felony assault on two occasions, was in possession of a .25 caliber firearm.
Just after midnight on March 13, 2015, Pawtucket Police Patrol Officer Zachary Day observed a motor vehicle proceed on to Main Street without stopping or signaling at the stop sign. He further observed the motor vehicle accelerate to approximately 60 to 70 miles per hour in a 25 miles per hour zone. Following the motor vehicle, Officer Day observed the driver making several turns at a high rate of speed without stopping or signaling, until finally turning in to an apartment complex and stopping.
During the traffic stop, the officer observed the driver of the motor vehicle, later identified as Eric Ralph, in possession of a small bag of white substance. The officer took Ralph into custody and ordered the passenger, later identified to be Justin Pine, to exit the motor vehicle.
While conducting a search of the motor vehicle, Officer Day found a small silver handgun with one live round in the chamber and a spent shell casing on the floor of the motor vehicle under the passenger seat. Pine was taken into custody.
"It was good police work that led to taking an illegal firearm off the streets, and I commend the officers for ensuring that a violent criminal was stopped before he had the opportunity to cause a tragedy," said Attorney General Peter Kilmartin.
"Possessing illegal firearms cannot and will not be tolerated by police and by my office. We will continue to seek significant sentences for individuals who choose to possess and use illegal firearms."
Ralph was charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, driving while in possession of a controlled substance, and reckless driving. The case is pending.
Pawtucket Police Department Detective David Silva led the investigation and Special Assistant Attorney General Peter Roklan prosecuted the case on behalf of the Office of Attorney General.