Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

PROVIDENCE -- A man has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for heroin trafficking and possessing a firearm.

In June, Robert Cruz, 29, pleaded guilty to possessing with intent to distribute heroin and being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to a news release today from U.S. Attorney Robert Clark Corrente's office. Judge Mary M. Lisi imposed the sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court in Providence.

In April 2006, Pawtucket police said they seized heroin, drug-trafficking materials, a pistol, and a bullet-proof vest from Cruz's Benefit Street apartment in Providence.

Prosecutor Zechariah Chafee said at the plead hearing that the government could show that, on April 12, 2006, Pawtucket Police used a search warrant at Cruz's apartment and found several bags of heroin, a loaded .380 caliber semi-automatic handgun and several boxes and magazines of ammunition, including hollow-point bullets.

The police also seized about $1,100 and a "Second Chance" bullet-proof vest.

Cruz was twice previously convicted of heroin trafficking, in 2004 and 1998. the U.S. Attorney's office said. Since his 2006 arrest, he has been imprisoned at the state Adult Correctional Institutions in Cranston.

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney

 Tags  heroin Providence sentenced trafficking

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