Dino Guilmette is a 47-year-old Rhode Island native whose life has become a public spectacle blending reality television, a high-stakes criminal case, and an unexpected link to one of the NFL’s most infamous figures.
He is a former amateur boxer, an entrepreneur, and the partner of Shayanna Jenkins, the former fiancée of the late New England Patriots star Aaron Hernandez. His recent appearances on “The Real Housewives of Rhode Island” have thrust him further into the spotlight, but it is his ongoing legal battle—where he faces a potential 88 years in prison—that has made him a headline news fixture.
Dino Guilmette Biography
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Dino Joseph Guilmette |
| Date of Birth | August 11, 1978 |
| Age | 47 years old (as of 2026) |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Birthplace | Cranston, Rhode Island, USA |
| Residence | Cranston, Rhode Island |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Italian-American |
| Religion | Christian |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 154 lbs (70 kg) |
| Hair Color | Dark brown |
| Eye Color | Hazel |
| Parents | William Guilmette II and Donna Guilmette |
| Siblings | Eight (one of nine children) |
| Education | MBA in Finance, University of Rhode Island, Feinstein Providence Campus (2000) |
| College Football | Attended University of Florida, played college football |
| Profession | Entrepreneur, former amateur boxer, bar owner, model |
| Boxing Ring Name | “The Ghost” or “Big Bully” |
| Business Ventures | Opened first bar in Rhode Island in 1997; managed several bars and small businesses |
| Bankruptcies | Filed for bankruptcy in 2005 and 2014 |
| Partner | Shayanna Jenkins-Hernandez (dating, engaged) |
| Children | Mia Guilmette (daughter from previous relationship); Giselle Guilmette (daughter with Shayanna Jenkins, born June 2018); Avielle Janelle Hernandez (stepdaughter, Shayanna’s daughter with Aaron Hernandez) |
| Legal Status | Facing seven felony charges and one misdemeanor: drug dealing, conspiracy, perjury, possession of a controlled substance, fraudulently obtaining COVID-19 relief funds |
| Maximum Sentence | 88 years in prison if found guilty |
| Plea Deal | Rejected a plea deal on June 25, 2026, that would have allowed him to avoid jail time with five years of probation |
| TV Appearance | Guest on “The Real Housewives of Rhode Island” (RHORI), close friend of cast member Liz |
Who Is Dino Guilmette?
Dino Joseph Guilmette is an American entrepreneur and former amateur boxer from Cranston, Rhode Island.
Born on August 11, 1978, to William and Donna Guilmette, he grew up in a large, close-knit Italian-American household as one of nine children. His upbringing in a busy family instilled values of hard work, resilience, and loyalty that would shape his adult life. Today, he is known for his business ventures, his time in the boxing ring, and his very public personal life.
Early Life and Rhode Island Roots
Dino Guilmette was born and raised in Cranston, Rhode Island, where he still lives today.
Growing up in a large household with eight siblings, competition, responsibility, and toughness were part of his daily life. His parents, William Guilmette II and Donna Guilmette, emphasized discipline and staying grounded, lessons that stayed with him well into adulthood. A defining and difficult moment for the family came in 2016 with the loss of his brother, William Guilmette III, an event that deeply affected Dino and strengthened family bonds.
What Is Dino Guilmette’s Educational Background?
Dino Guilmette holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance from the University of Rhode Island.
He attended the university’s Feinstein Providence Campus, graduating in 2000. This academic foundation in finance played a critical role in shaping his business mindset and understanding of money, risk, and long-term planning. Early in his life, he also attended the University of Florida, where he played college football.
Dino Guilmette’s Background: From Boxing to Business
Before business took center stage, Dino spent years in Rhode Island’s amateur boxing scene, where he earned the nickname “The Ghost.”
He trained at Providence’s Balletto Gym and competed regionally, building a reputation for discipline and an elusive fighting style. While he never turned professional, boxing played a major role in shaping his identity by teaching him mental toughness, long-term commitment, and how to recover after setbacks. In 2017, he participated in a notable “Brawl For It All” event in Providence, raising donations for the Gary Balletto Foundation. Alongside boxing, he also dabbled in modeling, listing his interests as football, weight training, boxing, and running.
What Does Dino Guilmette Do for a Living?
Dino Guilmette is an entrepreneur whose primary income comes from owning and managing local businesses, including a bar. He entered the business world early, opening his first bar in Rhode Island in 1997. Unlike celebrity-backed brands, his ventures are traditional, cash-flow-driven businesses that grow quietly instead of explosively. His income flows from several streams, including business equity and operating income, which helps stabilize his overall wealth.
Dino Guilmette’s Business Career and Bar Ownership
Dino Guilmette’s entrepreneurial journey began in 1997 when he established his first bar in Rhode Island.
This venture marked the beginning of his career in the hospitality industry, an area where he would focus much of his professional life. The journey was not always smooth, as he faced significant financial setbacks, including bankruptcies in 2005 and 2014. Rather than walking away, Dino rebuilt, using the discipline from his boxing days and the financial knowledge from his MBA to persevere.
Dino Guilmette Marriage and Relationship Status
Dino Guilmette and Shayanna Jenkins are engaged but not yet married, having built a blended family together since beginning their relationship in 2017.
They met through mutual friends after the death of Shayanna’s former fiancé, Aaron Hernandez, and quickly “hit it off from the beginning” . In June 2018, the couple welcomed their daughter, Giselle, and they have since become engaged . Dino also embraced his role as a stepfather to Shayanna’s daughter with Hernandez, Avielle, while Dino has another daughter, Mia, from a previous relationship . Dino’s father has publicly expressed his hope for the couple to marry, but as of now, no official wedding has been confirmed .
READ ALSO:- Tiffany Pesci: What to Know About Joe Pesci’s Daughter
Who Are Dino Guilmette’s Children?
Dino Guilmette is the father of three daughters: Mia Guilmette, Giselle Guilmette, and stepdaughter Avielle Janelle Hernandez.
He is the confirmed father of Shayanna Jenkins’s second daughter, Giselle, who was born in June 2018. He also has a daughter named Mia from a previous relationship. Together, he and Shayanna have built a blended family that has lived under intense public scrutiny.
What Is Dino Guilmette’s Connection to Aaron Hernandez?
Dino Guilmette’s connection to Aaron Hernandez is through his partner, Shayanna Jenkins, who was Hernandez’s fiancée at the time of his death in 2017. Beyond this personal link, reports indicate that Guilmette played college football with Hernandez at the University of Florida. This shared history has added another layer of intrigue to his public profile, intertwining his story with that of the deceased NFL player.
Dino Guilmette’s Connection to The Real Housewives of Rhode Island
Dino Guilmette has appeared multiple times on Bravo’s hit TV series “The Real Housewives of Rhode Island.” He is a close friend of cast member Liz McGraw and her husband, Gerry McGraw, and was frequently mentioned over the duration of the show. His appearance on the show came at a house party hosted by the McGraws, making him a notable guest star and a recurring storyline in the first season. Both Liz and Gerry McGraw are listed as associates of Guilmette in a 2021 affidavit from state police.
What Is Known About Dino Guilmette’s Legal Case?
Dino Guilmette faces seven felony charges and one misdemeanor, including drug dealing, conspiracy, perjury, possession of a controlled substance, and fraudulently obtaining COVID-19 relief funds.
The charges stem from incidents dating back to 2021, and he allegedly supplied Lorazepam that was prescribed for him to the girlfriend of a friend. He also faces charges for allegedly bilking the state out of $7,000 in rent-relief money under a COVID-era program. A state police detective alleged in a 2021 sworn statement that Guilmette has ties to the New England Mafia, which his attorney has called “patently false.” His attorney, John Calcagni, maintains his client’s innocence and has criticized the investigation, suggesting police obtained a wiretap warrant “much too soon.”
Dino Guilmette Net Worth and Financial Troubles
As of 2025, Dino Guilmette’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million.
This estimate reflects realistic valuation based on his business equity, operating income, and personal assets, rather than inflated internet claims. His primary income comes from owning and managing local businesses, including a bar. Despite his entrepreneurial efforts, he has faced significant financial setbacks, including bankruptcies in 2005 and 2014.
Why Is Dino Guilmette in the News in 2026?
Dino Guilmette is making headlines in 2026 because he rejected a plea deal that would have allowed him to avoid jail time, choosing instead to face trial on multiple felony charges.
The case, which has been dragging on since his arrest in March 2022, has drawn significant media attention due to his reality TV fame and the serious nature of the allegations. He is now fighting to prove his innocence in court, with a potential sentence of up to 88 years in prison hanging over him.
Final Thoughts
Dino Guilmette’s story is a complex tapestry of athletic ambition, entrepreneurial drive, and public scandal. From his early days as an amateur boxer in Cranston to his appearances on reality television, his life has been marked by both achievement and controversy. His decision to reject a plea deal and fight the charges in court shows his determination to clear his name, no matter the risk. As his legal battle continues, the public remains captivated by the man whose life is intertwined with reality TV fame, a notorious NFL figure, and serious criminal allegations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dino Guilmette
What is Dino Guilmette known for?
Dino Guilmette is known for being a former amateur boxer, an entrepreneur, a guest star on “The Real Housewives of Rhode Island,” and the partner of Shayanna Jenkins, the former fiancée of Aaron Hernandez.
Is Dino Guilmette married to Shayanna Jenkins?
No, Dino Guilmette is not married to Shayanna Jenkins. They are in a relationship and have a daughter together, but their current relationship status is reported as dating.
How many children does Dino Guilmette have?
Dino Guilmette has three daughters: Mia Guilmette, Giselle Guilmette, and stepdaughter Avielle Janelle Hernandez.
Was Dino Guilmette a professional boxer?
No, Dino Guilmette was an amateur boxer who competed in Rhode Island’s amateur boxing scene but never turned professional.
What is Dino Guilmette’s net worth?
Dino Guilmette’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million as of 2025.
What happened to Dino Guilmette’s legal case?
Dino Guilmette rejected a plea deal in June 2026 that would have allowed him to avoid jail time. He is now facing trial on multiple felony charges, with a potential maximum sentence of 88 years.
What is Dino Guilmette’s connection to RHORI?
Dino Guilmette is a close friend of cast member Liz McGraw and has appeared multiple times on “The Real Housewives of Rhode Island.”
