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

July 26, 2012

Providence Felon Sentenced to 6 years in Prison on Federal Fiream Charges

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - A Providence man previously convicted for felony assault, burglary and witness intimidation, was sentenced today in federal court in Providence to 72 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. James Herring, 28, was also ordered by U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith to serve three years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term.

Herring was arrested by Providence Police on September 1, 2011, when, during the execution of a court authorized search warrant, he was found to be in possession of a 12 gauge sawed-off shotgun. He pleaded guilty on February 17, 2012, to one count each of felon in possession of a firearm and possession of an unregistered shotgun.

Herring’s sentence was announced by United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha and Providence Police Chief Colonel Hugh T. Clements, Jr.

According to information presented to the court, Providence Police discovered the firearm within easy reach of Herring, who was lying on a bed at the time police entered his residence. Herring told police that he bought the firearm for $150 dollars two days prior to the search by police, with the intent of selling it at a profit.

Herring has been detained since his arrest.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Rogers.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives assisted Providence Police in the investigation of this matter.

 

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