RI State Police, RISPCA, local police arrest 2 after 7 dogs, 9 firearms, 2 large capacity feeding devices, drugs seized

The Rhode Island State Police today announced that in conjunction with the South Kingstown Police Department, and the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, they arrested 35-year-old Mason Wilson and 29-year-old Tarra Jackson, both of South County Trail in Exeter, on charges ranging from Cruelty to Animals, Possession of Firearms, and Possession of Narcotics.

During the extensive investigation, a search warrant was obtained for their residence and executed on Thursday. As a result of the investigation, seven dogs, nine firearms, two large capacity feeding devices, and 112 grams of cocaine/fentanyl were seized.

“The Rhode Island State Police Intelligence Unit, the South Kingstown Police Department, and the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals conducted an investigation regarding an individual who was allegedly involved in a drug distribution and dog fighting operation and made these arrests,” said Colonel Darnell S. Weaver, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police and Director of the Department of Public Safety. “This was great work by all three agencies.”

“We appreciate the collaboration of our partners in law enforcement at the Rhode Island State Police and the Rhode Island SPCA,” said Matthew C. Moynihan, Chief of Police for South Kingstown. “Our communities are safer today because of the teamwork displayed by all of the investigators. We took illegal guns off the street and shut down a dangerous drug dealing operation that was distributing the lethal drug fentanyl that has been devastating many communities across the state.”

“The Rhode Island SPCA would like to extend its thanks to the Rhode Island State Police, the South Kingstown Police Department, Exeter Animal Control, South Kingstown Animal Control and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management for their assistance in the investigation and removal of these seven dogs,” said Earl K. Newman III, Special Agent, Rhode Island SPCA, Division of Law Enforcement. “We rely heavily upon our law enforcement partners throughout the State and would not be able to accomplish our mission to prevent and prosecute animal cruelty without them. These dogs are currently receiving medical evaluations and treatment by our veterinary and shelter staff.”

Wilson was charged with seven counts of unnecessary cruelty to an animal; possession with intent to deliver (cocaine, fentanyl, oxycodone, amphetamines, buprenorphine); possession of a firearm by a person prohibited; possession of a firearm while in possession of a controlled substance with Intent to distribute; large capacity feeding devices prohibited and alteration of marks of identification on firearms.

Wilson was arrested on Thursday, processed at the State Police Wickford Barracks, and arraigned at Fourth Division District Court where he was held without bail and ordered not to be in the care, custody, or control of any animals.

Jackson was arrested and charged with possession of cocaine and fentanyl. She was processed at the State Police Wickford Barracks, and later arraigned at Fourth Division District Court where she was issued a bail of $3000 with surety.