Friend Liz McGraw ready to risk his freedom. This news came after Dino Guilmette refused a plea deal with investigators on a long list of charges brought against him.
Reality TV fans «The Real Housewives of Rhode Island» may remember he appeared on the show for a few seconds this year, with storylines including his longtime friendship with Liz and his past romance with RHORI star Kelsey Swanson.
Dino now faces a maximum sentence of 88 years in prison. Here are the latest updates on his case.
Dino Guilmette faces felony drug and fraud charges.
Dino clearly believes he has done nothing wrong and is willing to take the risk of proving it in court. He faces seven felony charges and one misdemeanor charge. These charges relate to alleged drug trafficking, fraudulent use of COVID-19 funds, and conspiracy.
The Providence Journal reports that Rhode Island Assistant Attorney General Jim Baum offered Dino a prison sentence if he pleaded guilty to charges of distribution and conspiracy to distribute lorazepam.
Appearing before Judge Gina Lopez, he refused the offer, meaning the case will go to trial. Dino's lawyer, John L. Calcagni III, says he did so because he maintains his innocence.
Liz and Dino have been friends for nearly 20 years. Her husband, Jerry, owns a cannabis dispensary called Slater Compassion Center. Liz and Jerry are listed as co-conspirators in a 2021 criminal complaint filed by State Police Detective Matthew Lynch.
In his sworn testimony, Detective Lynch stated that Dino was a member of the New England crime family La Cosa Nostra.
Dino's case will resume in court on July 17, although the trial itself may not take place for several months.
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