In addition to his leadership role in the drug trafficking, Tucker's criminal record record also factored into his sentence. He has twelve prior convictions, including prior drug trafficking felonies. Judge Torres today also sentenced another Operation Stateline defendant, Travis Lanier , whose address is unknown, to two years in prison for distribution of crack cocaine Tucker and Lanier are two of 33 defendants charged as a result of Operation Stateline, which was initiated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation after Westerly Police asked for help with an escalating crack cocaine problem in their town. Westerly Police reported an influx of crack dealers from Connecticut and the New York City area, who were using local addicts' homes as temporary bases for their drug trade. As part of Operation Stateline, undercover agents and informants working under the supervision of agents made a series of crack buys from dealers and addicts.
Federal charges are pending against three defendants.
After an investigation of approximately 18 months, Operation Stateline culminated early in the morning of February 3 as FBI agents, state police, and police from Westerly and surrounding communities made a series of arrests. The search for suspects continued over the ensuing weeks in the Westerly area, in Connecticut, and in New York City, resulting in additional arrests. Also participating in Operation Stateline were the Rhode Island State Police , Westerly Police , Hopkinton Police , Stonington Police , the Connecticut Statewide Narcotics Task Force, and detectives assigned to the FBI's Safe Streets Task Force from the Providence , Pawtucket , and Woonsocket Police Departments. Tactical support was provided by the Rhode Island National Guard . Assistant U.S. Attorney Gerard B. Sullivan is prosecuting the cases.