Newport Man Detained On Federal Drug & Firearm Charges

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Ian Andrade, 36, of Newport, was ordered detained today by U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Patricia A. Sullivan on federal drug and firearm charges, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha and Newport Police Chief Gary T. Silva. Andrade was arrested by Newport Police on Friday.

According to an affidavit in support of an arrest warrant and a criminal complaint charging Andrade with one count each of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime filed with the court, Newport Police executed court authorized search warrants on Friday at Andrade’s Newport residence and for his vehicle. Detectives seized approximately than 400 grams of cocaine and a loaded firearm from a hidden compartment discovered inside a rear passenger seat of the vehicle; nearly three-quarters of a pound of marijuana and a shotgun from Andrade’s residence; and $4,435 from Andrade’s person.

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.

Possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute is punishable by a statutory penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime is punishable by a statutory penalty of a minimum of 5 years and up to life imprisonment, to be served consecutive to any other sentence imposed, and a fine of up to $250,000.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Pamela E. Chin and Stephen G. Dambruch.

The DEA and DEA Drug Task Force assisted Newport Police in the investigation of this matter.

To assist the media and the public, a glossary of federal judicial terms and procedures is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/

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