FBI probing family ties between Providence police chief and accused fentanyl trafficker #RHODEISLAND

PROVIDENCE – The family relationship between an accused fentanyl trafficker and his uncle, Providence's newly appointed police chief, Col. Oscar Perez, has drawn interest from FBI investigators for about a year now, according to former Providence Public Safety Commissioner Steven Paré.

FBI agents in Massachusetts have talked with Paré about Perez more than once, focusing on whether Perez might have done anything inappropriate to help his nephew, Paré said, adding that he holds Perez in the highest regard.

During the talks, which continue, Paré said, the FBI has also shown interest in the relationship between the chief's brother, Providence police Sgt. Andres Perez, and the same nephew, Jasdrual "Josh" Perez.