'Mobbed Up' case nets award

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - The intelligence unit of the Rhode Island State Police were recognized for their work in a high-profile 2008 dragnet dubbed “Operation Mobbed Up” as part of the 7th Annual Justice Awards.

Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick Lynch presented the General Whitehouse award to the six detectives who worked, often undercover, to expose a criminal operation run out of a Providence flea market.

Captain David Neill of the State Police accepted the award on behalf of the men Thursday night.

"I'd like to thank Colonel [Brendan] Doherty for his support and members of the intelligence unit who worked tirelessly," said Capt. Neill.

The Whitehouse Award is given for work in drug enforcement. Investigators say beyond moving stolen goods and gambling, some players charged in “Operation Mobbed Up” were selling narcotics.

"It really just showcases why part of the war on drugs is a war against misuse of prescription drugs," said Lynch. "We saw it a lot in this investigation."

The 7th Annual Justice Awards are given in recognition of an extraordinary commitment to justice and named in honor of the eight living former Attorneys General. Lynch began the tradition when he first took office.

Senator Whitehouse was not at the ceremony.

The initial phase of "Mobbed Up" netted 23 individuals and led to the end of a Rhode Island murder mystery.

Mob Associate and "Mobbed Up" defendant Nicholas "Nicky" Pari told detectives where they could find the body of murder victim Joseph "Joey Onions" Scanlon, who was gunned down at a Federal Hill Social Club in 1978.

Two men were convicted of the murder, but the body was never found.

Pari, who served 10 years for his role in the hit, was on his deathbed when he told the State Police where to find the remains. After three days of digging behind an East Providence apartment complex, investigators unearthed the body. The remains were later identified through DNA as Scanlons’.

Pari died last year after a battle with cancer. He was 71.