Saugus Man Indicted on Federal Drug and Firearm Offenses

BOSTON – A Saugus man was arrested and charged today on drug and firearm offenses.

Vinicius Teixeira, a/k/a “Vinny,” 29, was charged in an indictment unsealed today with one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Teixeira was detained following an initial appearance in federal court this afternoon. A detention hearing is scheduled for Friday, April 26, 2019, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith G. Dein.

On March 7, 2019 Teixeira was allegedly in possession of marijuana and an American Tactical 9mm semiautomatic pistol containing 11 rounds of ammunition.  Teixeira was originally arrested on a state complaint and released on bail.

The charge of possession with intent to distribute marijuana provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, a minimum of three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime provides for a mandatory five year sentence to be served consecutive to any other sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, made the announcement. The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department and the Revere, Everett, and Chelsea Police Departments provided assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Steinberg of Lelling’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit is prosecuting the case. 

The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.