30 arrested in organized crime bust

SCITUATE, R.I. (WPRI) - Thirty people have been arrested in connection with a major organized crime ring, according to Rhode Island State Police.

The raids - involving State Police, several local police departments and the FBI - happened early Tuesday morning in Cranston and Warwick. 

The charges include extortion, drug dealing, illegal firearms and organized criminal gambling. According to State Police, the case began in June 2008 as an extension of "Operation Mobbed Up," during which 25 people were arrested.

The 30 defendants arrested Tuesday were arraigned the same afternoon at Kent County Court. Those charged include George Eunis, 67, of South Kingstown and Donald St. Germain, 54, of West Warwick, who, according to investigators, headed the criminal enterprise.

Investigators said they built their case using wire taps. In addition, they said an undercover state trooper was able to infiltrate the criminal enterprise and negotiated numerous drug transactions, gambling wagers, and the purchase of a .25 caliber semi-automatic handgun.

Through wire taps, investigators said they were also able to uncover an extortion plot against a person who owed a large amount of money to St. Germain and Eunis, a known associate of the Patriarca Crime Family.

Investigators said St. Germain and Eunis recruited Michael Sherman, 35, and Michael Lillie, 34, to carry out the assault on the victim at a Warwick gas station, while Jeremy Lavoie, 36, acted as a lookout.

Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick Lynch commended the raids, and said his office will continue to target organized criminal enterprises.

"Whatever illusions or delusions fuel some people's apparent fascination with the so-called 'mobster lifestyle,' I'm here to say that the Rhode Island State Police will not rest and my office will not rest until we've dismantled every alleged organized criminal enterprise, put it out of business, and held those responsible for its operation accountable for their crimes," Lynch said.