Antonio Rivera, Fentanyl and Heroin Trafficking, Rhode Island 2019

PROVIDENCE - A Providence man has admitted to trafficking nearly 70 grams of illicit substances, including heroin and fentanyl, in the city of Providence, Rhode Island.

Antonio Rivera, a 26-year-old Providence resident, pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin, distribution of fentanyl, and felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Kelly D. Brady, and Providence Police Chief Colonel Hugh T. Clements, Jr.

The illicit substances were sold to undercover law enforcement agents in two separate incidents in April and October 2018. On April 27, 2018, Rivera sold an individual nearly 60 grams of heroin for $2,500, and on October 23, 2018, he sold an ATF undercover agent nearly 8.5 grams of fentanyl and a semi-automatic rifle with a high capacity magazine for $1,330.

Rivera is scheduled to be sentenced on October 15, 2019. He faces a maximum of 20 years imprisonment for each of the fentanyl and heroin trafficking charges, followed by up to lifetime supervised release, and up to 10 years imprisonment for the felon in possession of a firearm charge, followed by 3 years supervised release.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Milind M. Shah. The matter was investigated by ATF, the ATF Task Force, and the Providence Police Department, with the assistance of the Pawtucket Police Department and the Rhode Island State Police High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force.

Rivera's case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat illegal drug trafficking and possession in Rhode Island. The Providence Police Department has been working tirelessly to identify and apprehend individuals involved in the sale and distribution of illicit substances.

The maximum penalties for distribution of fentanyl and heroin are punishable by statutory penalties of up to 20 years imprisonment followed by up to lifetime supervised release. Felon in possession of a firearm is punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment followed by 3 years supervised release.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ri/pr/providence-man-admits-trafficking-fentanyl-and-heroin-being-felon-possession-firearm