Attorney General Peter F. Neronha announced that Montrell Hopper (age 24), of Providence, pleaded guilty on June 24, 2019 to two counts of first-degree robbery, one count of using a firearm while committing a crime of violence, and two counts of possession of a firearm after being convicted of a crime of violence. Superior Court Justice Robert D. Krause sentenced Hopper to a 40-year full sentence, with 20 years to serve and the balance suspended with probation. The cases against Hopper stem from three separate incidents during 2018 in the city of Providence.
Had the case proceeded to trial, the State was prepared to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that on August 15, 2018, Hopper used a stun gun to injure an acquaintance and steal his car and cell phone.
The State was also prepared to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that on October 19, 2018, Hopper robbed an acquaintance of a gold chain at gunpoint with a .32 caliber pistol.
Additionally, the State was prepared to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that on December 7, 2018, Hopper fled from Providence Police and discarded a Smith and Wesson .45 caliber pistol during the pursuit. He was apprehended in a nearby home shortly thereafter.
Hopper was apprehended as a result of efforts by the Providence Police Task Force, whose primary objective is to reduce violent crime in Providence by targeting individuals possessing firearms and monitoring gang violence and activity. Detectives Robert Melaragno and Frank Villella and Task Force Officers Robert Foley and Brian Murphy of the Providence Police Department conducted the investigation into the cases. Assistant Attorney General Joseph McBurney and Special Assistant Attorney General Edward G. Mullaney prosecuted the case on behalf of the Office of the Attorney General.
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