Many of the firearms were later sold or transferred unlawfully by the purchasers to other, according to the office of United States Attorney Stephen G. Dambruch.
The investigations leading to the arrests were part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program, an nationwide initiative to reduce gun and gang crime by networking existing local programs targeting gun and gun crime, providing the programs with additional tools to ensure success. Since its inception in 2001, approximately $2 billion has been committed to the program.
To date, Rhode Island federal and state prosecutors had charged five people in U.S. District Court by way of federal criminal complaints or indictments and three individuals in Rhode Island state court by way of state criminal complaints.
“Through cooperative investigation and prosecution of illegal firearm purchases, we have successfully taken dozens of illegal firearms out of the hands of dangerous criminals, which has undoubtedly saved lives,” said Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin.
The people arrested in the investigations are:
Ademola Kayode, Jr., 25, of Warwick, RI. It is alleged that between April and June 2016, Kayode made false statements on ATF forms he signed and provided to a licensed federal firearms dealer when purchasing a total of eight firearms. Kayode is charged by way of a federal indictment with three counts each of false statements during purchases of firearms and possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance, and one count of false statements to a federal agent.
Molyka Preap, 31, of Providence, RI. It is alleged that in September and October 2017, Preap made false statements on ATF forms she signed and provided to a licensed federal firearms dealer when purchasing a total of three firearms. Preap has been charged by way of a federal criminal complaint with two counts of false statements during purchases of firearms.
Darien Young, 23, of Providence, RI. It is alleged that during April and May 2017, Young made false statements on ATF forms she signed and provided to a licensed federal firearms dealer when purchasing a total of five firearms. Young is charged by way of a federal indictment with three counts each of false statements during purchases of firearms and possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance, and one count of false statements to a federal agent.
Lucilo Mena, 56, of Cranston, RI. It is alleged that in November 2016, Mena made false statements on ATF forms he signed and provided to a licensed federal firearms dealer when purchasing a firearm. It is alleged that beginning in April 2017, Mena engaged in the business of dealing firearms without a license. According to information presented to the court, it is alleged that the firearm purchased by Mena in Rhode Island in November 2016, which he later sold, was recovered during an investigation into a shooting in Boston in August 2017. Mena is charged by way of a federal indictment with one count each of false statements during the purchase of a firearm and engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license.
Tarriek Gill, 24, of Cumberland, RI. It is alleged that in November and December 2016, Gill made false statements on ATF forms he signed and provided to a licensed federal firearms dealers when purchasing a total of nine firearms. Young is charged by way of a federal indictment with three counts each of false statements during purchases of firearms and possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance, and one count of engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license.
Brian Luna, 22, of Providence, RI, and Alex Cuevas-Polanco, 20, Providence, RI.
A joint ATF and Providence Police Department investigation determined that Luna purchased 3 firearms from licensed firearms dealers in May 2017. It is alleged that Luna made false statements on ATF forms he signed and provided to the firearms dealers. On June 20, 2017, Luna, who was accompanied by Cuevas-Polanco, purchased five additional firearms. It is alleged that false statements were made on ATF forms he signed and provided to the firearms dealers. Law enforcement later stopped their vehicle and recovered two firearms. A search by law enforcement of Luna’s residence resulted in the recovery of four firearms, including three from that day’s sale, as well as marijuana, crack cocaine and drug paraphernalia. The investigation determined that Cuevas-Polanco allegedly assisted with the trafficking of firearms. Providence Police arrested Luna and Cuevas-Polanco on numerous state firearms and drug charges.
Daniel Carides, 22, of Providence, RI. A joint ATF and Providence Police Department investigation determined that in August 2017, Carides purchased four firearms. Information developed during the investigation determined that Carides allegedly unlawfully transferred at least two firearms.
Law enforcement subsequently executed a court authorized search of Carides residence and seized ten firearms and other evidence. On Sept. 12, 2017, Providence Police arrested Carides on numerous state firearms and drug charges.
Author: Rob Borkowski
Rob has worked as reporter and editor for several publications, including The Kent County Daily Times and Coventry Courier, before working for Gatehouse in MA then moving home with Patch Media. Now he's publisher and editor of WarwickPost.com. Contact him at [email protected] with tips, press releases, advertising inquiries, and concerns.
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