Providence man accused of drug trafficking, possessing illegal firearms

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Attorney General Peter Neronha said that a Providence man has been charged with gun and drug-related offenses.

Philip Debartolo was charged with with one count of possession of over five kilograms of marijuana, one count of possession with intent to deliver marijuana, one count of possession of firearms while in possession with intent to deliver marijuana, one count of possession of firearms by a person convicted of a crime of violence, one count of possession of ghost guns, one count of possession of firearms with obliterated serial numbers, and one count of possession of large-capacity magazines.

Neronha said the arrest of the 39-year-old comes from an investigation by the Providence Police Department, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the West Warwick Police Department, and the Attorney General’s Urban Violent Crime Task Force.

Neronha added that officers investigated Debartolo between January and March of this year, and executed a warrant on his residence on March 16.

During the search they found several ghost guns, 25 large capacity magazines, approximately 19.73 kg of marijuana, several guns with obliterated serial numbers, a stolen gun, and drug paraphernalia.

Neronha said that the defendant is expected to be arraigned on Oct. 23.