CRANSTON — An East Providence woman was among two females arrested and a third party, a young male, was also taken into custody for their involvement in alleged crimes committed at a graduation party in Cranston on June 9.

Cranston Police Department Chief Colonel Michael Winquist announced June 28 the arrest of Kimberly Ruggiero, 40, of 52 Stevens Rd, Cranston, and Carolyn Bird, 46, of 49 School St., East Providence, for violating the state’s social host laws.

A third suspect Joseph Kirtlink, 24, of East Greenwich, was also arrested for first degree sexual assault as a result of the investigation.

According to the chief’s report, on June 9, a graduation party was held at 52 Stevens Road and hosted by Ms. Ruggiero and Ms. Bird. An 18 year old female at the party was transported to R.I. 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 at the party witnesses confirmed that marijuana and alcohol were provided and distributed by Ms. Ruggiero and Ms. 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 Ms. Bird and Ms. 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, 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 again provided by Ms. Ruggiero and Ms. Bird. After consumption, she was rendered incapacitated and unable to speak or function. Subsequently the victim was sexually assaulted by Mr. Kirtlink, who was subsequently arrested by patrol officers at his home on June 22 and charged with one count of first degree sexual assault.

He was arraigned at Cranston Police Headquarters and held without bail. On June 25, 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.

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

Ms. Bird turned herself in to Cranston Police Headquarters on June 27. She was charged with 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 and was released on $10,000 personal recognizance. Her next court date is September 13 in Superior Court.