Providence man sentenced for drug trafficking, attempting to sell gun while in ACI custody

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A Providence man was sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking and attempting to sell an illegal gun while in state prison.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office said 39-year-old Ronald Kramer was sentenced on Tuesday to more than six years in federal prison for crimes committed while he was at the Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI) on unrelated charges.

Officials said Kramer continued to direct and run an established methamphetamine trafficking business on the streets of Providence during his time in state prison.

Kramer also admitted that, while at the ACI in February 2021, he learned of a person outside of the prison interested in purchasing a firearm that he illegally possessed, per authorities.

The District Attorney’s Office said Kramer arranged for his then-girlfriend to provide the gun and drugs to the potential buyer, who turned out to be an undercover agent.

Kramer pleaded guilty on Aug. 16, 2023, to the following charges:

• Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine
• Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine
• Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person

He was sentenced by a U.S. District Court judge to 78 months of incarceration and four years of federal supervised release.