Josh Perez Sentenced for Major Fentanyl Operation

Jasdrual 'Josh' Perez, the nephew of Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez and Sgt. Andres Perez, has been sentenced to 22.5 years in federal prison for leading a large-scale fentanyl trafficking operation. U.S. District Judge Leo Sorokin described the operation as unprecedented in scale, highlighting the staggering amount of pills distributed across several states. Despite Josh Perez's familial ties to high-ranking police officials, no evidence was found implicating his uncles in his criminal activities, although Sgt. Andres Perez was mentioned as a 'knowing or unwitting participant' by prosecutors. Josh Perez pleaded guilty to charges including conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, which has been a significant factor in the regional opioid crisis. His operation was said to have manufactured millions of pills disguised as Oxycontin, contributing to widespread overdose deaths. Perez apologized in court for his actions and acknowledged the harm caused by his drug enterprise.