Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Moises Tronilo, 28, of Providence, was sentenced today to 5 years in federal prison for trafficking heroin and being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha and Daniel J. Kumor, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

At sentencing, U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith also ordered Tronilo to serve 3 years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term. Tronilo pleaded guilty on November 5, 2013, to one count each of possession with the intent to distribute heroin and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to information presented to the court, an investigation in March 2013 by ATF agents into Tronilo’s alleged drug trafficking activities resulted in five undercover purchases of heroin from Tronilo within an 11-day period. The fifth purchase of heroin was in return for payment in cash and a .40 caliber Glock handgun. Tronilo was arrested immediately upon completion of the 5^th transaction, when he took possession of the firearm. The transactions were electronically monitored by ATF agents.

According to information presented to the court, on March 22, 2013, ATF agents conducted a court authorized search of Tronilo’s Providence residence and seized a loaded 9mm Browning pistol, 35 grams of heroin, and various items used in the packaging and sale of heroin.

According to information presented to the court, Tronilo was previously convicted in Rhode Island State Court for possession of narcotics with the intent to prosecute. At the time of his arrest by ATF agents, Tronilo was serving a 51-month term of probation.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Milind M. Shah.

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