Providence Police Detectives Discovered A Loaded Firearm, Drugs Stashed Among Children’s Toys
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - A Providence man arrested in November 2011 when Providence Police discovered a loaded firearm and a bag of ammunition hidden among children’s toys in a bedroom in his residence was sentenced on Tuesday to 180 months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha and Providence Police Chief Colonel Hugh T. Clements, Jr
Henry Lee, 30, was arrested by members of the Providence Police Department Narcotics and Organized Crime Bureau on Nov. 3, 2011, during an investigation into Lee’s firearm and drug activities. According to information presented to the court, detectives executed a court authorized search of Lee’s residence and seized a loaded.380 caliber handgun and a bag of ammunition discovered hidden in a rear bedroom inside a “Girl Gourmet" cupcake mixer box which was located among several toys in the bedroom.
In addition, several plastic bags containing various amounts of crack cocaine were discovered in a bureau drawer. A bullet proof vest was discovered in a kitchen closet.
United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha commented, “The fifteen years that the defendant will serve in federal prison is a very long time. He deserves every minute. What makes this defendant’s conduct particularly dangerous, beyond his armed drug-dealing, is his possession of a bullet-proof vest, which could have only one purpose - to cause as much harm as possible to others, while remaining in relative safety."
Providence Police Chief Colonel Hugh T. Clements, Jr., added, “Firearms and drugs continue to be a danger in our community. With this outstanding arrest and significant sentencing of an Armed Career Criminal, we are sending a clear message that criminals will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. This is another example of the positive working partnership between the Providence Police Department, ATF and the U.S. Attorney’s Office."
Lee pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court on March 27, 2013, to one count each of being a felon in possession of a firearm, being a felon in possession of body armor and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base.
At sentencing, U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., also ordered Lee to serve 5 years of supervised release upon completion of his prison sentence.
Lee was convicted previously in state court on two occasions on serious drug felonies and of having committed a violent felony.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ly T. Chin.
The matter was investigated by the Providence Police Department with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
To assist the media and the public, a glossary of federal judicial terms and procedures is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
