Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms and Drug Charges

PROVIDENCE - A Providence man and previously convicted felon pleaded guilty in federal court in Rhode Island to multiple firearm and drug offenses.

Luis Martinez, 47, of Providence, pleaded guilty to three counts of the 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.

Martinez is scheduled to be sentenced on August 27, 2026. The sentence imposed will be determined by a federal district court judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

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 arrest in this matter on May 7, 2025.

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.