Convicted felon on probation, arrested on drug, gun charges after accusation of area drug dealing

The Rhode Island State Police today announced that on Friday, September 1, 2023, members of the Rhode Island State Police High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, assisted by members of the Rhode Island State Police Violent Fugitive Task Force, arrested a Pawtucket man for firearms and narcotics violations. This investigation revealed that 30-year-old Angel Lorenzo of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, was distributing narcotics throughout the greater Providence area and was in the possession of illegal firearms. Lorenzo is a previously convicted felon who is currently on probation for first degree robbery, breaking and entering, firearms offenses, and narcotics offenses.

Members of the HIDTA Task Force and Violent Fugitive Task Force executed court authorized search warrants on several vehicles and residences associated with Lorenzo. Police seized the following: approximately 75 grams of fentanyl, 36 grams of crack cocaine, a loaded Springfield Armory .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol, a Romarm Cugir Mini-Draco AK-47 pistol, a Taurus G2C 9mm semi-automatic pistol, extended magazines, drum-style extended magazines, narcotics distribution materials, and approximately $4,000 in cash.

Lorenzo was arraigned, held without bail and then transported to the Adult Correctional Institution where he will be held pending his formal court appearance at 6th Division District Court. Narcotic charges include possession of fentanyl in excess of one kilogram, possession with the intent to deliver a controlled substance (fentanyl), possession of cocaine in excess of one kilogram, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance (cocaine). Firearms charges include possession of a firearm by certain persons prohibited, possession of firearms while committing controlled substance violations, and large capacity feeding devices prohibited. Members of the State Police expect more arrests to be forthcoming as this investigation is ongoing.

The Rhode Island State Police High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force is comprised of members from the Rhode Island State Police, Providence Police Department, North Providence Police Department, Lincoln Police Department, Middletown Police Department, Bristol Police Department, Narragansett Police Department, Johnston Police Department, DEA Providence District Office, and the Rhode Island National Guard Counterdrug Program.