Convicted Felon Indicted, Arraigned on Federal Firearms and Drug Charges

PROVIDENCE – A convicted felon was arraigned in federal court in Providence today on firearm and drug charges contained in a 15-count federal superseding indictment returned by a grand jury on June 18, 2025, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.

The indictment charges Luis Martinez, 46, of Providence, with three counts of sale or transfer of a firearm to a prohibited person, two counts of distribution of cocaine, three counts of distribution of cocaine base, four counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, one count of possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. A federal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Charging documents allege the following: 

• on various dates between September 17, 2024, and March 5, 2025, Martinez sold  a total of approximately 73.6 grams of crack cocaine and approximately 54.9 grams of cocaine.
• On March 26, 2025, he possessed 28 grams or more of cocaine base with the intent to distribute it and also possessed cocaine with the intent to distribute it;
• Between September 17, 2024, and March 26, 2025, Martinez was a felon in possession of four firearms, three of which he sold or transferred to another person; and
• On March 26, 2025 while he possessed cocaine with the intent to distribute it, he also  possessed a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities.

Court records reflect that Martinez was previously convicted in Rhode Island state courts on felony firearm and drug trafficking charges and was serving a term of state probation at the time of his initial arrest in this matter on May 7, 2025. Martinez is currently detained in federal custody.

The case is being 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.

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