A convicted felon, Luis Martinez, 46, from Providence, was arraigned in federal court on firearm and drug charges following a 15-count federal superseding indictment by a grand jury on June 18, 2025. The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
The indictment includes charges of 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. It is important to note that an indictment is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
According to the charging documents:
– Between September 17, 2024, and March 5, 2025, Martinez allegedly sold approximately 73.6 grams of crack cocaine and approximately 54.9 grams of cocaine.
– On March 26, 2025, he allegedly possessed over 28 grams or more of cocaine base with the intent to distribute it along with other quantities intended for distribution.
– During this period between September 17, 2024 and March 26, 2025 he was also accused as being a felon in possession of four firearms; three were sold or transferred.
– On March 26 while possessing drugs intended for distribution he also allegedly possessed a firearm linked to his drug trafficking activities.
Court records indicate that Martinez had prior convictions in Rhode Island state courts related to felony firearm and drug trafficking charges. He was serving probation at the time when initially arrested on May 7th this year. Currently detained under federal custody his case will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ronald R Gendron.
The investigation involved collaboration between Bureau Alcohol Tobacco Firearms Explosives (ATF) alongside Providence Police Department Narcotics Unit.
