Franklin Valenzuela, Heroin Trafficking, Rhode Island 2019
A Providence man was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for trafficking heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine, and for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Franklin Valenzuela, 24, was arrested on August 31, 2018, by members of the DEA Drug Task Force in Newport as he arrived to deliver drugs for the third time in four days to an undercover detective.
During the course of the investigation, it was learned that Cranston Police detectives were also investigating Valenzuela's drug trafficking activities.
At the time of his arrest, several small bags of heroin fell from Valenzuela's lap as he exited his vehicle. He was also found to be in possession of $1,393 in cash.
A search of his Providence residence yielded approximately 53 grams of a mixture of heroin and fentanyl, 90 grams of fentanyl, 70 grams of cocaine, 16 grams of crack cocaine, 412 grams of marijuana, a partly disassembled firearm, and $7,807 in cash.
In addition, 22 grams of crack cocaine and 6 grams of fentanyl were found inside a secret compartment in Valenzuela's vehicle.
On June 25, 2019, Valenzuela pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl; distribution of cocaine and fentanyl; and felon in possession of a firearm.
At sentencing today, U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith sentenced Valenzuela to 60 months in federal prison to be followed by 4 years supervised release.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald R. Gendron.
Key Facts
- State: Rhode Island
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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