Gerald Mastracchio, a convicted murderer, is back in jail after violating parole.
Mastracchio and 53-year-old Joseph Ziroli were arrested on Putnam Pike in Johnston, Rhode Island, Thursday for running a marijuana grow operation. The bust was made after a three month investigation by Rhode Island State Police, Johnston and North Providence Police.
Mastracchio was found guilty in the 1979 murder of 13-year-old Richard Valente. He was accused of beating Valente's head with a baseball bat and then throwing his body off the Jamestown Bridge and into Narragansett Bay. Mastracchio received a life sentence but was released after serving 23 years.
He returned to jail after violating parole in 2012 but was again released.
According to a press release, 28 marijuana plants along with digital scales and packaging materials were discovered Thursday.
Mastracchio is due in court for a bail hearing on Thursday.
