Providence man sentenced to five years on firearms charges

Attorney General Peter F. Neronha announced that Alan Pickens (age 22) of Providence, pleaded nolo contendere to one count of carrying a pistol without a license and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Superior Court Magistrate Richard D. Raspallo sentenced Pickens to 10 years with 5 to serve at the ACI and the balance suspended with probation.

Pickens was given a 10-year full sentence with 5 years to serve and the balance suspended with probation for carrying a pistol without a license. He was also sentenced to 5 years to serve for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Both sentences will be served concurrently.

Had the matter proceeded to trial, the state was prepared to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that on April 13, 2019, Pickens possessed a loaded .357 revolver in the area of Phebe Street and General Street in Providence, which he later discarded while fleeing from police. Pickens is also known by law enforcement as an East Side gang member.

The case was investigated by Sergeant Jonathan Kantorski, Investigator Matthew McGloin, and Investigator Jonathan Smith of the Providence Police Department’s Violent Crime Task Force. Special Assistant Attorney General Alison Bittl prosecuted the case on behalf of the Office of the Attorney General.