PROVIDENCE – A Providence man with prior felony convictions was sentenced today in federal court in Rhode Island for multiple firearms and drug trafficking offenses.
Luis Martinez, 47, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy to 78 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release. Martinez was also ordered to pay $1,400 in restitution.
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. 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 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.
“Mr. Martinez repeatedly armed himself while distributing narcotics, putting residents and law enforcement at risk,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda. “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.”
“ATF will not allow repeat offenders to continue putting guns and drugs on the streets of Providence. With support from the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our partnership with the Providence Police Department, this prosecution reinforces ATF’s commitment to safeguarding the community.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ronald R. Gendron.
The matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Providence Police Department Narcotics Unit.
Source: U.S. Attorney’s Office — Rhode Island — U.S. Department of Justice press release.