A former Rhode Island resident has been sentenced to ten years in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine. Carl Sharp, 49, who now resides in Peoria, Arizona, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., after pleading guilty to distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha announced the sentence, which includes five years of federal supervised release following incarceration. Sharp's criminal history shows he is a career offender with previous convictions related to drug trafficking, domestic violence, and assault.
Court documents reveal that Sharp was involved in shipping drugs through the U.S. Mail from Western states to Rhode Island. The United States Postal Inspection Service identified thirteen packages linked to this operation, six of which were mailed by Sharp. Searches authorized by the court resulted in the seizure of 4.44 kilograms of methamphetamine and 249 grams of cocaine.
One package sent by Sharp was addressed to a residence previously used for drug trafficking activities. Another package was mistakenly sent to an unsuspecting 85-year-old woman living alone in Rhode Island. After discovering nearly two kilos of meth inside clothing within the package, a man arrived at her home seeking it but left when she denied having it. The woman subsequently took the package to the post office.
Further investigation into Sharp's finances showed unexplained cash deposits totaling over $320,000 between January 2022 and May 2024.
Assistant United States Attorney Sandra R. Hebert prosecuted the case, with investigations conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service and assistance from the FBI.