CRANSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Colonel Michael J. Winquist Major Todd Patalano
Chief of Police Public Information Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: June 28, 2018

Contact: Major Todd Patalano
Chief of Administrative Services
tpatalano@cranstonpoliceri.com
401-477-5002

Cranston Police Investigate Party on Stevens Road Resulting in Two

Women Arrested for Social Host Law Violations and Third Person on
First Degree Sexual Assault
Colonel Michael Winquist, Chief of the Cranston Police Department, announces the arrest of
Kimberly Ruggiero, age 40, of 52 Stevens Rd, Cranston, RI and Carolyn Bird, age 46, of 49
School Street, East Providence, RI for violating the state’s social host laws. A third suspect
Joseph Kirtlink, age 24, of East Greenwich, RI was also arrested for first degree sexual assault
as a result of the investigation.

On June 9, 2018 a graduation party was held at 52 Stevens Road and hosted by Kimberly
Ruggiero and Carolyn Bird. An 18 year old female at the party was transported to RI Hospital
by rescue suffering from an apparent overdose. Cranston Police were later contacted as a result
and asked to conduct an investigation.

Cranston Police Special Victims Unit confirmed that a high school graduation party was held at
52 Stevens Rd. on the evening of June 9th. During the party witnesses confirmed that marijuana
and alcohol were provided and distributed by Ruggiero and Bird, to both adults and juveniles
present. Detectives interviewed multiple witnesses who had attended the party who witnessed
the two women distributing alcohol, chocolate edibles, jello shots, etc.

As part of the investigation, parents of one of the partygoers were interviewed by SVU
Detectives. They reported that they had accompanied their child to the party and spoke with
Bird and Ruggiero prior to leaving their daughter at the party. They were assured by the hosts
that no alcohol or drugs would be permitted during the party.

On June 15, 2018 detectives were notified that an 18 year old female had been sexually assaulted
at the party. The victim was interviewed and reported that she ingested alcohol and marijuana
which had been provided by Ruggiero and Bird. After consumption, she was rendered

Disclaimer: All individual(s) contained in this press release are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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incapacitated and unable to speak or function. Subsequently the victim was sexually assaulted
by 24 year old Joseph Kirtlink of 1 Pequot Trail, East Greenwich.

On June 22, 2018, Kirtlink was arrested by patrol officers at his home and charged with one
count of first degree sexual assault. On June 23, 2018 he was arraigned at Cranston Police
Headquarters and held without bail. On June 25, 2018 he was formally arraigned by the
Honorable Justice Mary McCaffrey at third district court. He was continued held without bail at
the Adult Correctional Institute awaiting a bail hearing in third district court which is
scheduled for July 9, 2018.

Arrest warrants were sought and granted for Ruggiero and Bird. Kimberly Ruggiero was
arrested at her home on June 26, 2018. She was charged with Purchase/Procurement of Alcohol
for Minor (RIGL 3-8-11.1) Misdemeanor. She was arraigned at Cranston Police Headquarters
before a Justice of the Peace and was released on $1,000 personal recognizance. Her next court
date is July 10, 2018 in Third District court.

Carolyn Bird turned herself in to Cranston Police Headquarters on June 27, 2018
Purchase/Procurement of Alcohol for Minor (RIGL 3-8-11.1) Misdemeanor and Distribution
of Schedule V to Minors (RIGL 21-28-4.07c) Felony. She was arraigned at Cranston Police
Headquarters before a Justice of the Peace and was released on $10,000 personal recognizance.
Her next court date is September 13, 2018 in Superior Court.

Kimberly Ruggiero Carolyn Bird Joseph Kirtlink

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Disclaimer: All individual(s) contained in this press release are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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