Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin announced that Jackial Smith (age 20), of Providence pleaded guilty yesterday before Providence County Superior Court Justice Robert D. Krause to two separate cases for breaking and entering, possession of intent to deliver marijuana, carrying a firearm while committing a crime of violence, and carrying a firearm without a license. Under the terms of the plea, Smith was sentenced to a total of 18 years, with eight years to serve and the balance suspended with probation.
Had the case proceed to trial, the State was prepared to prove that on October 5, 2015, Smith, and five co-defendants broke into a home in Scituate and stole six pounds of marijuana. When responding to the residence on a report of a possible breaking and entering, the Scituate Police observed a suspicious vehicle described as a grey Kia Sorento. When officers attempted to detain the vehicle, the driver fled, resulting in a high speed chase through Johnston, Smithfield, and North Providence. The suspect motor vehicle was involved in several motor vehicle collisions before eventually crashing into a stone wall, at which time six subjects exited the vehicle and fled on foot.
The operator of the motor vehicle was identified as the juvenile daughter of the homeowner of the alleged breaking and entering. Searching the motor vehicle, police found approximately three pounds of marijuana and an additional three pounds of marijuana in a backpack. Police also recovered a Bryco 9 mm handgun that was discarded by Smith during the foot pursuit.
The six individuals were arrested and charged with various counts including breaking and entering and possession with intent to deliver. During the investigation, police determined the homeowner was operating an illegal marijuana grow. He pleaded to possession of marijuana in Kent County Superior Court in December and was sentenced to one-year probation.
On April 22, 2016, operating on information that an individual was in possession of a firearm in the vicinity of Pine and Somerset Streets, Providence Police found Smith, while out on bail, in possession of a Smith & Wesson .38 Special.
Smith's co-defendants previously pleaded to their role in the breaking and entering. Isiah Edwards (age 20), of Providence pleaded to breaking and entering and was sentenced to five years suspended with probation; Richard Koboi (age 21), of Providence, pleaded to breaking and entering and possession of marijuana and was sentenced to five years suspended with probation; Travone Greene (age 20) of Providence, pleaded to breaking and entering and was sentenced to four years suspended with probation; Trey Pinkerton (age 20), of Providence, pleaded to breaking and entering and was sentenced to five years with 18 months to serve and the balance suspended with probation. The juvenile's case was adjudicated in the Family Court.
The case was investigated by the Rhode Island State Police, Scituate Police, North Providence Police, and Providence Police. Special Assistant Attorneys General Joseph McBurney and John Perrotta prosecuted the case on behalf of the Office of Attorney General.