From local gyms to mob-linked courtrooms, the story of Dino Guilmette reads like a true-crime script. Once known in Rhode Island as a tough boxer and a man who brushed elbows with celebrity—thanks to his relationship with Aaron Hernandez’s fiancée, Shayanna Jenkins—Guilmette is now better recognized for handcuffs than highlight reels.
His 2022 arrest on drug trafficking charges tied to the notorious Patriarca crime family threw his name from sports columns into criminal affidavits, exposing a tangled web of mob ties, shady financial backers, and an underworld of cocaine shipments.
A Sudden Fall from Local Stardom
Dino Guilmette once held a peculiar kind of fame in Rhode Island—not just as a boxer and actor, but also notorious for fathering a child with Aaron Hernandez’s former fiancée, Shayanna Jenkins. But in July 2022, those headlines shifted dramatically when Guilmette was arrested on serious drug trafficking charges tied to the New England La Cosa Nostra.
Under the Watchful Eye of Law Enforcement
Rhode Island State Police had been investigating Guilmette since 2020, spurred by inside tips from a reliable informant. According to a high-stakes affidavit, Guilmette allegedly oversaw large-scale cocaine deliveries—often by the kilogram—via smuggling routes from the Caribbean through Providence’s port.
Surveillance painted a portrait of a man always looking over his shoulder—scanning his car for bugs or GPS trackers, performing evasive driving maneuvers, and meeting repeatedly with suspected accomplices.
Ties to Organized Crime: More Than Speculation
Court records suggest these alleged operations weren’t solo ventures. Guilmette is reportedly connected to high-level figures in Rhode Island’s mob network, including Patriarca crime family underboss Matthew Guglielmetti. Surveillance showed Guilmette running operations out of mob-affiliated social clubs in Providence, reinforcing suspicions of systemic organized crime involvement.
Scandal-Sparking Surprises: A Cannabis Queen’s Connection
Headlines, Allegations & The Legal Road Ahead
Guilmette now faces seven felony charges—including intent to distribute cocaine, perjury, and fraud related to state rent relief—but the case is ongoing. For now, allegations suggest a chilling nexus of drug trafficking, organized crime, and unexpected connections in Rhode Island’s social and cannabis sectors.
FAQ
Who is Dino Guilmette?
Dino Guilmette is a Rhode Island boxer and occasional actor best known for his relationship with Shayanna Jenkins, the former fiancée of NFL star Aaron Hernandez.
Why was Dino Guilmette arrested?
He was arrested in 2022 on seven felony charges including intent to distribute cocaine, perjury, and fraud linked to a state rent relief program.
What are his alleged mob connections?
Investigators tied him to the Patriarca crime family, one of New England’s most notorious mob groups, citing surveillance and social club meetings.
What role did Elizabeth McGraw play in the case?
Court documents suggested Guilmette had hundreds of communications with Elizabeth McGraw, wife of cannabis mogul Gerry McGraw. She was allegedly a financial backer of his drug operations.
Is Dino Guilmette convicted?
As of now, the case is ongoing. He has been charged but not convicted, and the final outcome remains pending.
Why is his case controversial?
Beyond the cocaine trafficking allegations, his ties to organized crime, cannabis industry elites, and a past connection to Aaron Hernandez’s circle make the story a tabloid magnet.
Final Thoughts
Dino Guilmette’s arrest exposes a striking contrast: a suburban local once known for boxing and acting ensnared in a web of mob-linked drug trafficking and scandalous social ties. His case raises unsettling questions about crime’s reach and how society’s most unexpected figures may hide in plain sight.
Featured image source: Google
