Domestic assault suspect pleads guilty to federal charge

A Cranston man who failed to register as a sex offender when he moved to the city from North Carolina, and who was previously charged in a local domestic violence incident, has pleaded guilty to a charge in federal court.

Vernon G. Massie, 49, was charged with violating the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). His sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 26.

According to prosecutors, North Carolina authorities issued a warrant for Massie’s arrest in August 2015 after he failed to update his residency information in accordance with that state’s sex offender laws. Massie had been convicted in September 2011 of indecent liberties with a minor.

On April 15 of this year, Cranston police responded to a 911 call regarding a domestic assault. The victim identified Massie as her fiancé, and she said he had choked her and prevented her from calling for help before fleeing the scene. A warrant was issued for Massie’s arrest on charged of domestic strangulation, domestic assault, domestic disorderly conduct, and refusal to relinquish a phone.

Cranston police subsequently discovered Massie’s status in North Carolina, and requested the assistance of U.S. Marshals in his apprehensive. He was arrested April 22 at a hotel in Springfield, Mass.

Massie will face the Cranston and North Carolina charges following his federal sentencing.

In a social media post, Cranston police recognized the work of Officers Jon Quaranto, Brad Duclos, and Michael Long on the case.

Two face drug charges after joint operation

Two men are being held on drug trafficking charges following a joint investigation by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force and the Cranston Police Department Special Investigations Unit.

Randolph Reynoso, 25, of Warwick, and Richard Lora, 20, of Providence, made their initial court appearances last week, according to a statement from the office of U.S. Attorney Peter F. Neronha.

Reynoso faces one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin and crack cocaine, one count of distribution of crack cocaine, and five counts of distribution of crack cocaine and heroin. He had been on federal pre-trial release on drug charges at the time of his arrest.

Lora faces six counts of delivery of crack cocaine, five counts of delivery of heroin, one count of conspiracy, and one count of operating on a suspended license.

Authorities say the FBI and Cranston police investigation into the activities of Reynoso and Lora included “at least six alleged purchases” of crack cocaine and heroin between June 24 and July 26 of this year.

A social media posting from Cranston police applauds Detective Warren Henseler and the Special Investigations Unit for their work on the case.