Providence Man Sentenced To 8 Years In Federal Prison On Firearm And Drug Charges

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Harold Moody, 47, of Providence, was sentenced today to 96 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession with the intent to distribute marijuana, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha, Guy N. Thomas, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) Boston Field Office, and Providence Police Chief Colonel Hugh T. Clements, Jr.

At sentencing, U.S. District Court Chief Judge Mary M. Lisi also sentenced Moody to serve three years of supervised release following his prison term. Moody pleaded guilty to the charges on December 19, 2012.

According to information presented to the court, Moody failed to disclose numerous felony convictions, including convictions for armed robbery, assault and drug charges, on ATF forms he signed and submitted in April 2012 to a licensed firearms dealer in an attempt to transfer ownership of a Glock .45 caliber pistol to him from an acquaintance. The firearms dealer refused to transfer ownership of the firearm to Moody after determining that Moody was a convicted felon. Moody admitted to the court that he offered a clerk at the firearms dealership $900 in cash in attempt to persuade him to transfer ownership of the firearm. In June 2010, Moody proceeded to have his wife purchase two firearms for him.

According to information presented to the court, an investigation by ATF agents beginning in May 2012 into suspected drug dealing activity by Moody resulted in multiple undercover purchases of marijuana from the defendant. A court authorized search of Moody’s residence on July 31, 2012, by ATF agents and Providence Police, resulted in the seizure of two Glock .45 caliber pistols, more than 58 grams of marijuana and various items used in the distribution of marijuana.

At the time of his guilty plea, Moody admitted to the court that he requested that his wife purchase the firearms from a licensed firearms dealer in June 2012 for protection. Moody also admitted to assisting his wife in making the purchases, and that the firearms belonged to him. In addition, Moody admitted to his drug dealing activities.

Moody has been detained in federal custody since his arrest on July 31, 2012.

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

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