Pawtucket Felon Sentenced to 10 Years for Machine Gun Possession

Pawtucket resident Isaiah Gasperini, 30, has been handed a 10-year prison sentence for his role in a high-stakes crime that shook the community on June 12, 2012. According to eyewitnesses, the chaos unfolded at approximately 3 A.M. when repeated gunfire echoed through a residential neighborhood, prompting multiple calls to the Providence Police.

Responding officers quickly sprang into action, hot on the heels of a speeding vehicle that failed to stop at a nearby stop sign. As one officer attempted to apprehend the driver, the vehicle sped up and made its way onto Rte. 95, eventually crashing into a truck in Pawtucket. Gasperini, the driver, fled on foot but was quickly subdued and arrested after a brief struggle.

A thorough search of the vehicle and surrounding area revealed a loaded 9mm machine gun, over 120 rounds of ammunition, duct tape, gloves, and a ski mask. It was later discovered that Gasperini had been on supervised release at the time of the incident, stemming from a 2003 conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Gasperini’s lengthy history with firearms led to a guilty plea on November 29, 2012, to charges of possession of a machine gun and being a felon in possession of ammunition. U.S. District Court Chief Judge Mary M. Lisi handed down the sentence, which includes 10 years in federal prison, to be followed by a consecutive 12 months and one day for violating the terms of his supervised release.

The case was investigated by the Providence Police, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Milind M. Shah led the prosecution.

Providence Police Chief Colonel Hugh T. Clements, Jr., praised the swift action taken by officers that night, saying it helped bring a potentially volatile situation under control. United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha echoed the sentiment, commending the efforts of all law enforcement agencies involved.

Gasperini’s 10-year sentence serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of violating firearm laws and the importance of prioritizing public safety.