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

November 9, 2011

HEROIN TRAFFICKER SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON

 

PROVIDENCE, R.I – A 31-year-old Providence man who Providence Police detectives say tossed a bag containing more than 800 grams of heroin out of a window as they entered his home to execute a court authorized search warrant was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Providence today to 120 months in federal prison and 5 years supervised release on drug and firearm charges.

U.S. Attorney Peter F. Neronha and Providence Public Safety Commissioner Steven M. Pare announced the sentencing of Ricardo Lara Diaz. Diaz, a Mexican national, pleaded guilty in July 2011 to possession with the intent to distribute in excess of 100 grams of heroin and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

At the time of his guilty plea, Diaz admitted to U.S. District Court Chief Judge Mary M. Lisi that in November 2010 he tossed a bag containing nearly 850 grams of heroin out of a window as Providence Police detectives were entering his apartment to execute a state authorized search warrant, and that he and others intended to sell the drugs.

Diaz, who was previously convicted of three separate felonies each punishable by a term of imprisonment greater than one year, also admitted to the Court that a .40 caliber handgun located in a bathroom and more than a dozen rounds of ammunition found in his pocket belonging to him.
Diaz has been detained since his arrest.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Milind M. Shah.

The matter was investigated by Providence Police with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Contact: 401-709-5357
USARI.Media@usdoj.gov