On July 14, 2021, Elvins Sylvestre, a 43-year-old Pittsfield man, was convicted by a federal jury of serious crimes that put his community at risk.
Sylvestre was found to be in possession of 11 grams of heroin, enough to make approximately 550 doses for distribution, along with a .380 caliber semi-automatic handgun loaded with an extended magazine and over 40 rounds of ammunition. This stash of drugs and firepower was discovered in November 2019.
The charges against Sylvestre include possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession of cocaine, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking felony. Federal law prohibits Sylvestre from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to multiple prior felony convictions, including possession of stolen property, robbery, assault and battery, and attempted murder.
On January 12, 2023, Sylvestre was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to 11 years in prison and five years of supervised release for his crimes. This severe sentence serves as a reminder that the consequences of engaging in serious crimes are real and can be devastating.
The investigation into Sylvestre’s crimes was a collaborative effort between the United States Attorney’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Pittsfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd E. Newhouse of Rollins’ Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the case.
The people of Pittsfield can rest a little easier knowing that Sylvestre will be behind bars for the next 11 years. This sentence is a testament to the dedication of law enforcement agencies and prosecutors who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe.
Sylvestre’s case serves as a warning to those who would engage in similar crimes: the consequences are severe, and the risk of being caught is high.
Related Federal Cases
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- Peter Igwacho, Federal Drug Trafficking, Oregon, 2022 · Massachusetts
- Dimitrius Nicholai Pryce, Drug Trafficking, Oregon, 2022 · Massachusetts
- Edwin Hamel, Synthetic Drug Trafficking, ME 2023 · Texas
Key Facts
- State: Massachusetts
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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