Providence Felon Detained On Federal Drug Trafficking And Firearm Charges In ATF Undercover Heroin Trafficking Investigation

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Moises Tronilo, 27, of Providence, was ordered detained today on federal heroin trafficking and firearm charges, announced by United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha and Eugenio A. Marquez, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Boston Field Office. Tronilo was arrested on Tuesday by ATF agents following an undercover investigation into Tronilo’s alleged drug trafficking activities.

According to an affidavit in support of an arrest warrant and criminal complaint filed with the court, it is alleged that on four occasions between March 11 and March 22, 2013, Tronilo sold packets containing approximately 5 grams of cocaine in exchange for $300 in cash. Each of the alleged transactions allegedly took place in vehicles in Providence.

According to the affidavit, a fifth transaction occurred on March 27, 2013, and allegedly involved the exchange of a Glock 9mm handgun and $300 in cash for two packets of heroin. ATF agents who monitored the alleged transaction immediately detained Tronilo upon completion of the alleged transaction.

According to the affidavit, ATF agents also executed a court authorized search of Tronilo’s Providence residence on Wednesday and seized a loaded Browning 9mm pistol, approximately 35 grams of heroin, and various items used in the packaging and distribution of heroin.

A criminal complaint filed with the U.S. District Court charges Tronilo with one count each of distribution of heroin; possession with intent to distribute heroin; possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense; and, being a felon in possession of a firearm. Tronilo was ordered detained following an appearance today before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Lincoln D. Almond.

A criminal complaintis merely an allegation and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

According to information presented to the court, Tronilo was previously convicted in Rhode Island State Court of a felony drug charge punishable by more than one year in prison.

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

Providence Police assisted ATF in the investigation of this matter.

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