News Release
U.S. Department of Justice
Peter F. Neronha
United States Attorney
District of Rhode Island

October 13, 2011

CENTRAL FALLS MAN CHARGED IN DEA, WOONSOCKET DRUG PROBE

 

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – An undercover investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Woonsocket Police into the alleged distribution of crack cocaine in Woonsocket has resulted in the arrest of a Central Falls man previously convicted twice on felony drug charges.

Eddie Torie Barr, 35, charged by way of a Criminal Complaint with distribution of crack cocaine and arrested by DEA agents and Woonsocket detectives, was ordered detained Wednesday by U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Lincoln D. Almond. If convicted, Barr could face more than 17 years in federal prison.

The arrest of Barr was announced by U.S. Attorney Peter F. Neronha; Steven W. Derr, Special Agent in Charge of the New England Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration; and Woonsocket Police Chief Thomas S. Carey.

According to an Affidavit in support of a Criminal Complaint filed with the Court and information presented to the Court during Barr’s initial appearance, it is alleged that on three occasions between January 7 and January 25, 2011, Barr allegedly sold crack cocaine in varying amounts to undercover Woonsocket Police detectives posing as drug traffickers. It is alleged Barr sold more than 48 grams of crack cocaine to the detectives for a total of $2,480.

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.

If convicted, Barr, who has two prior felony narcotics distribution convictions, could be declared a career offender by the Court. Federal sentencing guidelines recommend a minimum sentence of 210 – 260 months imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S Attorney Milind M. Shah.

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Contact: 401-709-5357
USARI.Media@usdoj.gov