A friend of Liz McGraw is willing to risk his freedom. This news comes after Dino Guilmette declined to take a plea deal for a long list of charges he is accused of committing.
Fans of The Real Housewives of Rhode Island might remember that he appeared on the show for a few seconds this year, with his longtime friendship with Liz and his past romance with RHORI star Kelsey Swanson among his storylines.
Now, Dino’s facing a maximum sentence of 88 years in jail. Here’s the latest update on his case.
Dino Guilmette is facing felony drug and fraud charges
Dino clearly believes he’s done nothing wrong and is willing to take his chances and prove that in court. He is facing seven felony charges and one misdemeanor. These charges stem from alleged drug dealing, fraudulently obtaining COVID-19 relief money, and conspiracy.
The Providence Journal reports that Rhode Island’s Assistant District Attorney General, Jim Baum, put out the offer that if Dino pleaded guilty to counts of delivery and conspiracy to delivery of Lorazepam, he’d avoid going to jail.
Appearing before Magistrate Gina Lopes, he chose not to accept the offer, meaning the case is going to trial. Dino’s attorney, John L. Calcagni III, says that he did so because he maintains his innocence.
Liz and Dino have been friends for close to 20 years. Her husband, Gerry, owns a cannabis retail store called Slater Compassion Center. Liz and Gerry are listed as associates in a 2021 affidavit from state police Detective Matthew Lynch.
In a sworn statement, Detective Lynch stated that Dino was a member of the New England La Cosa Nostra crime family.
Dino’s case returns to court on July 17, though the trial may not occur for several months.
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