5 Providence Men Indicted For Dealing Illegal Firearms

PROVIDENCE, RI — Five Providence men have been charged with selling illegal firearms throughout the state of Rhode Island, said a news release from Attorney General Peter F. Neronha.

The five men face 38 felony counts for the alleged involvement in a straw-purchasing scheme to sell dozens of illegal handguns statewide between June 2019 and August 2020, according to the news release.

"We know that illegal firearms are a critical driving factor in violent crime in Rhode Island, which is why my Office and our partners in law enforcement have made a concerted effort to make these cases," said Neronha in a statement.

Prosecutors say Rashaan Mangum, 29, purchased 89 handguns from dealers in Providence, Woonsocket, Warwick, Cranston, and North Kingstown using false information and sold them to prohibited individuals without proper paperwork.

Brady Robinson, 27, Yovaniell Sostre, 25, Anthony Jaiman, 28, and Wascar Rivas, 25, allegedly conspired or solicited Mangum to purchase the handguns, said Neronha.

"Straw purchasing and illegal trafficking of firearms is a serious criminal activity and often puts firearms in the hands of individuals who can't legally purchase or possess them," said Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division, in a statement. "ATF remains dedicated to identifying, investigating and arresting these individuals and making our streets and communities safer from violent firearm-related acts."

Mangum, Robinson, and Rivas will be scheduled for arraignment in Providence County Superior Court. Jaiman was arraigned Thursday in Providence County Superior Court and an arrest warrant has been issued for Sostre, according to prosecutors.