Not Easy Money: Central Falls Woman Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Cocaine

PROVIDENCE, RI — It sounded like an easy way to pick up some money. Jeanlee Figueroa, 21, of Central Falls, found out about a drug operation in the greater Providence area that was receiving packages of cocaine shipped from Puerto Rico. The organizers were looking for help. People who allowed their addresses to be used to receive the packages were paid cash for receiving the packages and turning them over to the drug operation.

According to the U.S. Attorney's office, Figueroa contacted an individual and provided her address. Soon, she began to receive packages delivered through the U.S. mail addressed to fictitious persons at her home address. Then, according to court papers, she wanted to increase her earnings. She rented a box at the Pawtucket post office, so she could accept more cocaine shipments. In all, she received 17 packages, each containing approximately 300 grams of cocaine. Eight arrived at her home, and nine went to her Pawtucket post office box. Figueroa received and delivered between 3.5 and 5 kilograms of cocaine before she was apprehended.

Now, she could do at least five years in prison.

On Thursday, she pleaded guilty in federal court in Providence to charges related to her participation in a conspiracy to traffic between 3.5 and 5 kilograms of cocaine. Specifically, Figueroa pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to possess more than 1 kilogram of cocaine with the intent to distribute and possession of in excess of 1 kilogram of cocaine with the intent to distribute.

She was released on an unsecured bond pending sentencing in September. The Newport and Cranston police helped with the investigation.

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