Criminal Complaint Charges North Carolina Resident with Firearms, Drug Trafficking Charges

PROVIDENCE – A North Carolina resident arrested by Rhode Island State Police on June 20, 2017, following a traffic stop which resulted in the seizure of a cache of loaded, high-powered firearms, camouflage equipment, night-vision goggles, and 443 grams of suspected methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, with street names of Molly and Ecstasy) was charged today by way of a federal criminal complaint in U.S. District Court in Providence with firearms and drug trafficking charges.

Acting United States Attorney Stephen G. Dambruch and Colonel Ann C. Assumpico, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police, announced today the filing of a federal criminal complaint charging Anthony Mondrez Thompson, 39, of Charlotte, NC, with being a felon in possession of firearms, possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of MDMA, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to an affidavit filed with the court in support of the criminal complaint, during the traffic stop it is alleged that Thompson, the only person in the vehicle, denied having firearms or illicit drugs in the vehicle, and denied having been previously convicted of a crime. During a check of the driver’s license and car registration provided by Thompson, and a criminal history check, the trooper learned that in fact Thompson has a lengthy criminal record, including convictions in federal and state courts in North Carolina on firearms and drug trafficking charges.

According to the affidavit, after agreeing to exit the vehicle and while being questioned by a trooper outside of the rear of the vehicle, it is alleged that Thompson shoved a trooper into a travel lane of the highway, and then he ran into the highway and began running in a travel lane opposite the direction of oncoming traffic. After ignoring verbal warnings to stop and repeated warnings of the possible use of a Taser, the trooper discharged his Taser causing Thompson to fall to the ground where he was placed under arrest.

According to the affidavit, it is alleged that searches of the vehicle at the scene of the traffic stop and later at the State Police barracks troopers discovered and seized eight high-powered pistols, a revolver, two AR-15-style assault rifles, numerous high-capacity rifle and pistol magazines, boxes of ammunition, military-issued smoke grenades, holsters, camouflage gear and masks, night vision goggles and a Taser. It is alleged that troopers also seized approximately 443 grams of MDMA.

Thompson, who is presently being held in state custody on firearms, drug, assault and resisting arrest charges, will make an initial appearance in U.S. District Court at a later date.

Acting United States Attorney Stephen G. Dambruch and Colonel Ann C. Assumpico thank the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Rhode Island Department of Attorney General for their assistance with this matter.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Milind M. Shah.

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