Jury Convicts Pittsfield Man of Drug and Firearm Offenses

 BOSTON – A Pittsfield man was found guilty by a federal jury in Springfield yesterday in connection with firearm and drug trafficking offenses.

Elvins Sylvestre, 43, was convicted following a three-day trial of possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession of cocaine, being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking felony. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Nov. 19, 2021.

Evidence at trial established that in November 2019, Sylvestre was found in possession of heroin and cocaine along with a handgun and over 40 rounds of ammunition. Federal law prohibits Sylvestre from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to a prior felony conviction.

The charges provide for a sentence of up to life in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Pittsfield Police Chief Michael Wynn made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd E. Newhouse of Mendell’s Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the case.