Providence man sentenced for drug trafficking, firearms offenses

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A Providence man was sentenced to 13 years with six years at the ACI for drug trafficking, cocaine possession and firearms offenses on Tuesday in Providence County Superior Court.

Elvis Hernandez, 47, pleaded nolo contendere to one count of possession of over one kilogram of cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, one count of possession of a firearm while possessing with intent to distribute cocaine, and one count of possession of a large capacity magazine.

The Cranston Police Department Special Investigation Unit and the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force investigated Hernandez for the sale and distribution of narcotics in the Great Providence area.

Authorities executed a court-authorized search warrant for Hernandez’s residence on Sumter Street in Providence, as well as his Toyota Avalon, on June 30, 2023.

They seized 1,773.60 grams of cocaine, a Mossberg .22 caliber assault rifle, a 30-round magazine, $6,869.00 in US currency, assorted ammunition and narcotics paraphernalia.