Warren Man Arraigned On Federal Indictment Brought Following Alleged Armed Confrontation With R.I. State Police

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Daniel Ferro, 50, of Warren, R.I., arrested by Rhode Island State Police on May 24, 2013, after allegedly confronting two state troopers with a loaded shotgun, was arraigned in federal court in Providence on Thursday on an indictment charging him with one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition. Ferro was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 29, 2013.

The incident allegedly occurred when State Police troopers went to Ferro’s residence to speak with him regarding an ongoing federal law enforcement and Rhode Island State Police investigation into alleged threats and harassment allegedly directed at a former employer.

Ferro’s indictment and arrest was announced by United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha, Colonel Steven G. O’Donnell, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police, Robert L. Panella, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Region of the Department of Labor - Office of Labor Racketeering and Fraud Investigations, and Kevin M. Niland, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division.

According to information presented to the court, Rhode Island State Police troopers went to Ferro’s residence on May 24, 2013, to speak with Ferro as part of ongoing investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor- Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the State Police into harassment, threatening communications and frivolous complaints Ferro allegedly directed toward a former employer. The employer fired Ferro in September 2011.

According to information presented to the court, when troopers arrived at Ferro’s residence, they observed Ferro’s car outside the house, a television was on inside the home, and a dog was inside the house.  The troopers knocked on the front door, identified themselves as police and displayed their badges. Ferro failed to answer the door. 

The troopers then knocked on a side door and various windows, repeatedly identifying themselves as police and stating they wanted to speak to Ferro.  After about 5 minutes, Ferro allegedly let the dog out and emerged in the doorway allegedly holding a loaded shotgun.  Ferro was ordered by a trooper to drop the gun. Ferro allegedly ignored the command and retreated into the house.  The troopers retreated, took cover, and contacted Warren Police for backup.  Ferro surrendered when Warren Police arrived on the scene, and a loaded 12 gauge shotgun was seized.

At arraignment before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Patricia A Sullivan, a not guilty plea was entered on Ferro’s behalf. Mr. Ferro was released on conditions which include home detention with electronic monitoring, mandatory mental health treatment, and a no – contact order which prohibits Ferro from making any contact with his former employer.

According to court records, Ferro was convicted of felony assault with a dangerous weapon in Rhode Island state court in 1994. 

An indictmentis 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.

Felon in possession of ammunition is punishable by a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison; 3 years supervised release; and a fine of $250,000.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John P. McAdams.

The matter is being investigated by United States Department of Labor- Office of Inspector General, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Rhode Island State Police, with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Warren Police Department.

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