News Release
U.S. Department of Justice
Peter F. Neronha
United States Attorney
District of Rhode Island

September 8, 2010

CONVICTED FELON SENTENCED TO
37 MONTHS IN FEDERAL PRISON ON FIREARM CHARGE

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A Providence man was sentenced Wednesday to 37 months in federal prison and 3 years supervised released for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Xavier Reyes, 24, pleaded guilty in March to a single count federal indictment. Reyes had previously been convicted in state court of a felony.

Reyes’ sentence, which was imposed by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Mary M. Lisi, was announced by U.S. Attorney Peter F. Neronha.

At the time of the defendant’s guilty plea, Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard W. Rose told the court, had the matter gone to trial, the government would have presented evidence that on September 24, 2009, at around 8:00 pm, two Providence police officers observed Reyes carrying a bag that was consistent with a rifle bag.  Police watched as Reyes placed the bag under a tree, walked away from the area, and then began to pace back and forth and looking around in a nervous manner. Officers approached the defendant as he sat on a nearby bench and detained him. They seized the bag that had been left under the tree and discovered a .20 gauge shotgun and five shotgun rounds in a side pouch.

The matter was investigated by ATF and Providence Police.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zechariah Chafee assisted with the prosecution of the case.

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Contact: 401-709-5357
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