Interim Report of the Statewide Grand Jury

Reported October 4, 2021

An indictment, information, or complaint is merely an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 

Martin Hughes (age 74)

West Warwick, R.I.

K1-2021-0587A

 

On October 4, 2021, the Statewide Grand Jury returned an indictment charging Martin Hughes with one count of domestic murder, and one count of using a firearm when committing a crime of violence resulting in death. The alleged acts occurred in the town of West Warwick sometime on or about June 15, 2021. The West Warwick Police Department conducted the investigation. The defendant is scheduled to be arraigned on October 22, 2021.

 

 

Ermis Paulino Estevez (age 32)

Providence, R.I.

P1-2021-3054A

 

On October 4, 2021, the Statewide Grand Jury returned an indictment charging Ermis Paulino Estevez with one count of possession of over one kilogram of cocaine, one count of possession of cocaine with intent to deliver, one count of possession of one ounce to one kilogram of fentanyl, one count of possession of fentanyl with intent to deliver, and four counts of conspiracy to violate the controlled substances act. The alleged acts occurred in the city of Providence sometime on or about April 12, 2021. The Providence Police Department conducted the investigation. The defendant is scheduled to be arraigned on October 27, 2021 in Providence County Superior Court.

 

Lissette Taveras (age 24)

Cranston, R.I.

P1-2021-3054B

 

On October 4, 2021, the Statewide Grand Jury returned an indictment charging Lissette Taveras with one count of possession of over one kilogram of cocaine, one count of possession of cocaine with intent to deliver, and two counts of conspiracy to violate the controlled substances act. The alleged acts occurred in the city of Providence sometime on or about April 12, 2021. The Providence Police Department conducted the investigation. The defendant is scheduled to be arraigned on October 27, 2021 in Providence County Superior Court.

 

Ana Hidalgo (age 31)

Providence, R.I.

P1-2021-3054C

 

On October 4, 2021, the Statewide Grand Jury returned an indictment charging Ana Hidalgo with possession of over one kilogram of cocaine, one count of possession of cocaine with intent to deliver, one count of possession of one ounce to one kilogram of fentanyl, one count of possession of fentanyl with intent to deliver, and four counts of conspiracy to violate the controlled substances act. The alleged acts occurred in the city of Providence sometime on or about April 12, 2021. The Providence Police Department conducted the investigation. The defendant is scheduled to be arraigned on October 27, 2021 in Providence County Superior Court.

 

 

Former President Trump is back in a New York City court for his criminal hush money trial. Former longtime assistant Rhona Graff is now on the stand. Trump faces felony charges of falsifying business records to cover up payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels to keep her quiet about an alleged affair.       Former President Trump says he's ready to debate President Biden as soon as tonight. In a social media post, Trump suggested the two debate "anywhere, anytime, anyplace" including out side the New York courthouse where the former president is on trial. The invitation comes after President Biden said he would debate Trump during an interview with radio host Howard Stern.        Hundreds of people across the U.S. have been arrested since protests erupted over the war in Gaza. Anti-Israel protests have sprung up across the country since the NYPD arrested over 100 demonstrators at Columbia University on April 18th. The New York Times says over 400 protesters have been arrested for refusing to disperse as tent cities pop up on more college campuses.        The U.S. is sending Ukraine its largest military aid package to date. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced a package worth six-billion-dollars today that will include munitions for Patriot missile defense systems. Austin thanked Congress for passing a massive foreign aid package that will help make it possible for Ukraine to fight off Russia's invasion.        It's a tripleheader in the NBA Playoffs tonight. In the first game, the Indiana Pacers will host the Milwaukee Bucks with their series tied at one game apiece. That game will be followed by the Los Angeles Clippers taking on the Mavericks in Dallas. That series is also tied at one-one. In the last game of the night, the Phoenix Suns will look to avoid going down three-games-to-none when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves.       Aaron Sorkin is writing a sequel to "The Social Network." Speaking at "The Town" podcast, the Oscar-winning writer talked about how Facebook has evolved in influencing democracy since his 2010 film. When pressed about why he blames the Meta-owned social media platform for the 2021 Capitol riots, he said "you're going to need to buy a movie ticket." The Social Network movie chronicled Mark Zuckerberg's journey as co-founder of Facebook.