Rhode Island State Police Make Multiple Arrests on May 22

Categories: Rhode Island Breaking NewsRhode Island News

Rhode Island State Police vehicle representing community safety and law enforcement efforts.

News Summary

On May 22, Rhode Island State Police made several arrests linked to various criminal activities, including financial crimes, drug possession, and child molestation. High-profile arrests include Lisa Scorpio Vecchio, charged with elder exploitation, and Raul Afonso, facing serious charges related to child molestation. Law enforcement continues to combat these issues, highlighting the need for community safety and accountability for offenders.

Rhode Island — Multiple arrests were made on May 22 as the Rhode Island State Police apprehended several individuals on various criminal charges, ranging from financial crimes to drug possession and child molestation. The arrests highlight ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat a variety of offenses in the state.

Individuals Arrested

Among those arrested was Lisa Scorpio Vecchio, 44, from Cranston. She faces serious charges including five counts of obtaining property by false pretenses and five counts of exploitation of an elder. Vecchio was processed at the State Police Headquarters and subsequently released on a $2,000 surety bail after her arraignment in the Sixth Division District Court.

Celso Herrera, 39, a Providence resident, was also apprehended and is charged with possession with intent to deliver cocaine weighing between 1 ounce and 1 kilogram. In addition, he faces charges for the possession with intent to deliver a Schedule II controlled substance and has a bench warrant for failing to appear for arraignment. Herrera was processed at the Lincoln Woods Barracks and is currently being held at the ACI Intake Center, pending his arraignment.

Jodecilynn Costa, 29, of Providence, was arrested as a fugitive from justice from Massachusetts. Following her arrest, she was arraigned in the Third Division District Court and remanded into custody while awaiting her return to Massachusetts.

Ahesha Taylor, 42, also from Providence, was taken into custody for possession of a controlled substance and for conveying unauthorized articles to and from an institution. She has been presented as a Superior Court violator and is currently remanded to custody.

Another significant arrest involved Raul Afonso, 59, from Woonsocket. He was apprehended based on an arrest warrant issued by the Central Falls Police for severe charges, including second-degree child molestation, electronically disseminating indecent material to a minor, simple assault, and disorderly conduct. This arrest underscores the serious nature of sexual offenses against minors in the community.

Law Enforcement Response

The May 22 arrests were a result of continued vigilance by Rhode Island State Police in monitoring and enforcing laws across various criminal activities. Each of these cases varies significantly but collectively showcases the range of issues police are addressing from drug-related charges to elder exploitation and child safety.

Ongoing Issues

Financial crimes, particularly those targeting vulnerable populations such as the elderly, have been a growing concern in Rhode Island and beyond. Law enforcement officials stress the importance of protecting these groups and holding offenders accountable. The cases related to drug possession and trafficking reflect a broader national issue as communities continue to grapple with substance abuse and addiction challenges.

Similarly, incidents of child molestation are taken very seriously by law enforcement, with strict measures implemented to ensure the safety of minors. Arrests such as that of Raul Afonso shed light on the grave impact of such crimes and reinforce the commitment of law enforcement to pursue justice for victims.

As these individuals face their respective charges, the Rhode Island State Police and the judicial system will continue to address these issues, seeking to uphold the law and provide safety for all residents.