Two men were sentenced Wednesday in Providence Superior Court and will serve time at the Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI) for their roles in a 2018 robbery, during which they severely beat a man outside a Pawtucket convenience store.
Jarrel Silva (age 19), of Pawtucket, and Domenic Vaz (age 21), of Central Falls, pleaded nolo contendere to one count each of first-degree robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery on January 9, 2020 before Superior Court Justice Luis M. Matos.
Silva received a 15-year sentence with three and a half years to serve at the ACI with the balance suspended and probation. Vaz received a 15-year sentence with four years to years to serve at the ACI with the balance suspended and probation. Both defendants were also ordered by the Court to not have contact with the victim.
"This was senseless, violent conduct, plain and simple," said Attorney General Peter F. Neronha. "To cause this kind of injury for a few dollars and nothing more is the kind of conduct that warrants the prison sentences imposed here."
Had the case proceeded to trial, the State was prepared to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that on May 28, 2018, Silva and Vaz punched and kicked a man outside a convenience store located at the corner of West Ave. and Jefferson Ave. in Pawtucket before stealing his wallet and cell phone.
On that date, the victim, a 36-year-old man, was attacked from behind by Silva and Vaz as he walked by the convenience store. Silva and Vaz punched the victim until he fell to the ground and then proceeded to kick him before fleeing with his cell phone and wallet.
The victim was able to seek help at a nearby gas station and call the Pawtucket Police Department. The victim suffered multiple injuries, including a fractured orbital bone.
Detective Michael Cioe of the Pawtucket Police Department led the investigation into the case. Special Assistant Attorney General Eric Batista prosecuted the case on behalf of the Office of the Attorney General.
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