New York Resident Detained in Rhode Island on Federal Firearm Charge

Rhode Island State Police troopers allegedly seized a loaded firearm with a mounted laser sight from the trunk of the defendant’s vehicle

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Mathew A. Soscia, 23, of Larchmont, New York, has been ordered detained in federal custody on a criminal complaint charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha and Colonel Steven G. O’Donnell, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police.

Soscia was arrested late Saturday when Rhode Island State troopers affected a traffic stop after allegedly witnessing Soscia’s vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and crossing several lanes of traffic while heading south along Route 95 in Exeter, and then discovered a loaded firearm in the trunk of his vehicle.

According to an affidavit in support of a criminal complaint filed with the court, it is alleged that late Saturday evening Rhode Island State Police received a report of a vehicle traveling south on Route 95 in the vicinity of Route 4 at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour. Shortly after the information was relayed to troopers out on the highway, two troopers who had affected an unrelated traffic stop observed a vehicle pass by them which matched the description of the vehicle reported to be traveling in excess of 100 miles per hour. The troopers activated their dash mounted radar which recorded the vehicle’s speed at 86 miles per hour.

According to the affidavit, the troopers pursued the vehicle as it continued to travel at a high rate of speed while crossing across several lanes. The troopers affected a traffic stop along Route 95 in Exeter. A criminal history check of the driver, Mathew Soscia, revealed a lengthy criminal history, including prior convictions on robbery and weapons charges. With Soscia’s permission, the troopers searched the vehicle and discovered a loaded .40 caliber Glock handgun with a mounted laser sight inside a duffel bag in the trunk of the vehicle.

According to the affidavit, Soscia admitted to the troopers that the firearm belonged to him and that he did not have a permit for the firearm.

Soscia was ordered detained in federal custody following an initial appearance on Monday before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Patricia A. Sullivan on a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adi Goldstein.

An agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives assisted Rhode Island State Police in the investigation of this matter.