PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Anthony Jenkins, 51, of Providence, has been ordered detained in federal custody following his initial appearance in federal court in Providence on Thursday on a criminal complaint charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of stolen firearms. Jenkins was arrested by members of an ATF task force moments after he allegedly stole six firearms from a garage in Cranston.
Jenkins’ arrest is announced by United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha and Daniel J. Kumor, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Division of ATF.
According to court documents and information presented to the court, members of the ATF task force became aware of Jenkins alleged plans to steal the firearms and to sell some of them. Jenkins was apprehended by members of the task force immediately after he allegedly stole the guns. When apprehended, Jenkins allegedly had six firearms and ammunition in his possession.
According to court records and information presented to the court, Jenkins’ criminal history includes at least 13 felony convictions, including drug trafficking, robbery and assault.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Milind M. Shah.
The ATF Task Force consists of agents and officers from ATF; Providence, Cranston and Central Falls Police Departments; and the Special Investigations Unit at the Rhode Island Department of Corrections.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
