Providence Felon Sentenced To 6 1/2 For Federal Firearm, Coke Convictions: USAO

PROVIDENCE, RI — A convicted felon from Providence was sentenced to six and a half years in prison for federal firearm and cocaine convictions, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.

Luis Martinez, 47, was also ordered to pay $1,400 restitution, the U.S. Attorney's Office said in a media release.

"Martinez previously pleaded guilty to multiple firearms and narcotics offenses, including three counts of selling or transferring a firearm to a prohibited person and four counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm," the release said.

"He also pleaded to two counts of distributing cocaine, three counts of distributing cocaine base, and one count each of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base," according to the release.

"According to court documents, Martinez was serving a term of probation on a prior state felony drug trafficking conviction at the time of his arrest on March 26, 2025," the release said.

“Mr. Martinez repeatedly armed himself while distributing narcotics, putting residents and law enforcement at risk,” First Assistant United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda said in the release.

“This sentence underscores our commitment to partnering with federal, state, and local agencies to protect the public from individuals whose drug‑trafficking activities and associated criminal conduct place our communities at risk,” Calenda said.

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