3 Providence cops nabbed in drug sting

NORTH SCITUATE, R.I. (WPRI) - Three Providence police officers were among six people arrested as part of a major drug sting in Rhode Island.

Investigators announced the details of the bust, dubbed "Operation Deception" during a conference at Rhode Island State Police headquarters in North Scituate Thursday.

The officers are Sgt. Steven Gonsalves, Patrolman Robert Hamlin and Detective Joseph Colanduano.

Eyewitness News has confirmed Gonsalves is the former driver for Providence Mayor David Cicilline . His wife is also the Mayor's current executive assistant.

Hamlin is a school resource officer at Central High School and Classical High School in Providence.

Colanduano is a narcotics detective who is assigned to the Drug Enforcement Agency .

According to the State Police, Operation Deception took place over a four month period. Investigators tapped the cell phones of all three officers. They say Hamlin would tip off his brother, who is allegedly a drug dealer. It was described as a large scale, cocaine distribution operation.

Captain David Neill of the State Police described how the operation worked.

"Robert Hamlin would tell his brother the names, vehicles and descriptions of those members working in the Providence Police narcotics department," Capt. Neill said.

Investigators described Gonsalves as a cocaine user. They also said Colanduano allegedly delivered cocaine.

Speaking at the State Police news conference, Providence Police Colonel Dean Esserman called it hard day.

"Each officer was calling into my office, suspended immediately without pay, and turned over to the State Police in my office for arrest," Col. Esserman said. "None of us are above the law. I wish I were the one who put the handcuffs on them."

Providence Mayor David Cicilline did not attend the news conference, but speaking later in the night, he told Eyewitness News the officer's violated the public's trust.

"To have violated the public trust does an incredible disservice to the entire city," Mayor Cicilline said. "It puts hard working members of the Providence Police Department at risk."

Of the 5 suspects arrested, only Gonsalves was eligible to post bail Thursday. He was released shortly before 8pm.

Hamlin, Colanduano, and the other 3 suspects arrested in the sting are scheduled to be arraigned in Sixth District Court in Providence on Friday.

Stay with Eyewitness News for continuing coverage of Operation Deception.