Convicted Felon Arraigned on Federal Firearms & Drug Charges

Convicted Felon Arraigned on Federal Firearms & Drug Charges

A convicted felon was arraigned in federal court in Providence on Monday on firearms and drug charges, announced the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Rhode Island. 

The indictment charges Luis Martinez, 46, of Providence, with three counts of sale or transfer of a firearm to a prohibited person, two counts of distribution of cocaine, three counts of distribution of cocaine base, four counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, one count of possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

 

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About Case
 
Charging documents allege that between September 17, 2024, and March 5, 2025, Martinez sold a total of approximately 73.6 grams of crack cocaine and approximately 54.9 grams of cocaine.

The U.S. Attorney's Office alleges that on March 26, 2025, he possessed 28 grams or more of cocaine base with the intent to distribute it and also possessed cocaine with the intent to distribute it. 

Moreover, the office alleges that between September 17, 2024, and March 26, 2025, Martinez was a felon in possession of four firearms, three of which he sold or transferred to another person; and on March 26, 2025, while he possessed cocaine with the intent to distribute it, he also possessed a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities.

Court records reflect that Martinez was previously convicted in Rhode Island state courts on felony firearm and drug trafficking charges and was serving a term of state probation at the time of his initial arrest in this matter on May 7, 2025. Martinez is currently detained in federal custody.