Providence Felon Facing Federal Gun and Drug Counts

PROVIDENCE – The grim halls of federal court in Providence were the backdrop for an arraignment that would chill the most seasoned criminal. Luis Martinez, a 46-year-old resident of Providence, faced the music today, accused by the feds of selling and distributing firearms and drugs with abandon. Martinez was arraigned on a stunning 15-count superseding indictment returned by a grand jury last June 18.

The charges against Martinez are as serious as they come: three counts of selling or transferring firearms to prohibited persons, two for cocaine distribution, three more for distributing cocaine base, and four for being a felon in possession of a firearm. He also faces counts of possessing with intent to distribute significant quantities of both cocaine base and cocaine, and one count of using a firearm to further his drug trafficking operations.

According to charging documents, Martinez’s reign of terror began on September 17, 2024, when he sold nearly 73.6 grams of crack cocaine and approximately 54.9 grams of cocaine. His spree continued, culminating in March 26, 2025, when he was caught with over 28 grams of cocaine base and additional cocaine with intent to distribute.

But Martinez’s illegal activities were not limited to drugs. Between the dates of September 17, 2024, and March 26, 2025, he was in possession of four firearms as a felon, three of which he sold or transferred. His actions on March 26 reached a new level when he possessed both cocaine and a firearm, demonstrating his brazenness in the face of law enforcement.

Martinez’s previous convictions and ongoing probation at the state level only added to his current troubles. Now, detained in federal custody, Martinez awaits his fate under the watchful eye of Assistant United States Attorney Ronald R. Gendron. The case was a joint effort by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Providence Police Department Narcotics Unit.

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