Major local meth dealer who was on probation for trafficking at time of arrest, sentenced to prison

PROVIDENCE – A Providence woman described in court as a “major pipeline” for trafficking methamphetamine into Rhode Island was sentenced today to 10 years in federal prison.

Alexa Samoiloff, 51, who was serving a Rhode Island state probation sentence for drug trafficking at the time of her arrest by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force on methamphetamine trafficking charges in October 2019, previously admitted to the court that she facilitated drug deals from, among other places, her apartment and from motel rooms. She often provided instructions using an encrypted app to others working at her direction. Payments for meth in furtherance of the conspiracy were often sent to her via Walmart/MoneyGram wire transfers.

During their investigation, the Safe Streets Task Force conducted nine undercover purchases from members of the conspiracy of between 7 and 46 grams of methamphetamine, also known as “ice,” that proved to be at least 90% pure.

On October 18, 2019, members of the Safe Streets Task Force conducted a search of Samoiloff’s residence and seized approximately 31 grams of crystal meth, 5 digital scales, an ammunition container with 109 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 10 knives, 3 swords, a crossbow, multiple cell phones, hypodermic needles, and various items used in the packaging and distribution of methamphetamine.

Appearing before U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., on September 9, 2020, Samoiloff pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine; and three counts of distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine, aiding and abetting.

At today’s sentencing hearing, Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., sentenced Samoiloff to 120 months in federal prison to be followed by five years’ supervised release, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Joseph R. Bonavolonta.

Two other individuals involved in this conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine are awaiting sentencing. Steven Robinson, 48, of Providence, pleaded guilty on March 11, 2020, and Jacob Abbruzzese, 46, of Cranston, pleaded guilty on July 23, 2020, to conspiracy with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine D. Lowell and Sandra R. Hebert.

The FBI Safe Streets Task Force consists of agents and law enforcement officers from the FBI, Rhode Island State Police, the Providence, Cranston, Woonsocket, Pawtucket, West Warwick, and Central Falls Police Departments, the Rhode Island National Guard, and the U.S. Marshals Service.