A man from Providence has been handed a six-year prison sentence for peddling oxycodone pills to an undercover officer, federal authorities announced. Brandon Jones, 35, received the sentence in a federal court in Worcester after pleading guilty to charges related to drug distribution, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Jones was busted with a stash of about 1,500 oxycodone pills when he was arrested back in March, officials said. Prior to his capture, he was a known entity in the Worcester drug scene, peddling painkillers that he transported from Providence on a daily basis. Jones' operation involved rental vehicles, and he made trips of trade throughout the Worcester area, officials detailed.
His illicit business dealings were not limited to Worcester. Investigations revealed that Jones' rentals were linked to his supply chain, which was traced back to New Jersey, and New York. He had been facilitating drug transactions as evidenced by the several controlled purchases made by undercover law enforcement between October 2022 and January 2023. After his plea in October of the following year, the Providence man awaited sentencing while the cogs of justice turned.
The six-year term will be succeeded by three years of supervised release for Jones who faced one count of possession with intent to distribute, and two counts of distribution of oxycodone, Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy announced. Valuable assistance in the operation that snared Jones was provided by the DEA, New England Field Division, and local police, as well as interstate collaboration from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Rhode Island, and the Rhode Island State Police.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen M. Noto of the Worcester Branch Office. Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA, Stephen Belleau, and Southbridge Police Chief Shane D. Woodson were acknowledged for their roles in the coordinated effort that brought down Jones' operation. The enforcement action emphasizes the ongoing struggle against the opioid epidemic that continues to ravage communities nationwide.
