Providence Man To Serve 5 Years For Drug, Firearm Possession

PROVIDENCE, RI — A Providence man has been sentenced to five years at the Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI) after pleading to drug and firearm possession charges, said Attorney General Peter F. Neronha in a news release Friday.

Chavez Champagne, 39, pleaded nolo contendere to one count of possession with intent to deliver cocaine, two counts of conspiracy to possess with the intent to deliver cocaine, and one count of carrying a pistol without a license, said Neronha.

The charges against Champagne stem from his arrest by state police in 2020 following the execution of a warrant at his Providence home, where troopers found cocaine, fentanyl, and an illegal firearm.

"This case is yet another example of how when it comes to drug trafficking, firearms are 'tools of the trade.' Nearly every time you find a significant drug dealer, you'll find a gun in their possession, or close by," said Neronha in a statement.

"It is these criminals who not only deal illegal substances like fentanyl that far too often kill the Rhode Islanders who use them, but who also drive gun violence on our streets. That's why we are focusing our prosecutorial efforts on cases like this one, along with our law enforcement partners, including the Rhode Island State Police," he continued.

Champagne was sentenced to 10 years at the ACI with five years to serve and the remainder of the sentence suspended with probation.