A Providence man has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for trafficking fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills and more than 400 grams of fentanyl, according to an announcement from United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda.
Carlos Molina, age 35, received his sentence on January 15, 2026, from Chief U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr. Molina had pleaded guilty in August 2025 to possession with intent to distribute at least 400 grams of fentanyl.
“Trafficking counterfeit pills containing fentanyl puts lives at risk and fuels a public health crisis affecting communities across the country,” said United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda. “The 15-year sentence imposed in this case holds the defendant accountable for conduct that endangered others and underscores the serious consequences of distributing drugs that pose a lethal threat to our communities.”
Court documents state that law enforcement searched Molina’s home in November 2022 and found 1,503 counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl weighing a total of about 170 grams, as well as over 400 grams of powder containing fentanyl. Investigators also learned that while under surveillance by DEA agents and members of the DEA Drug Task Force, Molina made several sales of these counterfeit pills to another person. After these transactions, authorities seized a total of 2,416 pills.
Assistant United States Attorney Stacey A. Erickson prosecuted the case following an investigation led by the Rhode Island DEA Drug Task Force.
