Attorney General Peter F. Neronha announced that on March 28, Brian Torres (age 26), of Providence, pleaded nolo contendere before Providence County Superior Court Magistrate Richard D. Raspallo to charges of driving under the influence, death and personal injury resulting, stemming from a 2018 automobile crash that claimed the life of a 29-year-old man and seriously injured another.
Under the plea agreement, Torres was sentenced to 15 years with nine years to serve at the ACI with the remainder suspended with probation for the DUI, death resulting charge. In addition, Torres was fined $5,000, faces a five-year loss of license, and must attend substance abuse counseling. Torres was sentenced to five years, with three to serve at the ACI for the DUI, serious bodily injury charge. The sentences will be served concurrently.
Had the case proceeded to trial, the State was prepared to show that during the early morning hours of October 8, 2018, Torres was driving on Atwells Avenue in Providence when he went through a red light at the intersection of Valley Street and collided with the victim's vehicle. The driver of the car, Frank Perry Jr., was pronounced dead on scene and the passenger, Donald Hahn, was seriously injured in the crash.
The crash was investigated by members of the Providence Police Department's Traffic Division. Assistant Attorney General Jay Sullivan prosecuted the case on behalf of the Office of Attorney General.
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