U.S. District Judge Virginia Hernandez Covington has sentenced Andre Adams, Jr., a 43-year-old resident of Bradenton, to 19 years in federal prison. Adams was found guilty of possession with intent to distribute significant quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl. Additionally, he faced charges for possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking and as a convicted felon.
The court ordered the forfeiture of four firearms and assorted ammunition from Adams. His conviction came after a federal jury found him guilty on July 17, 2024.
The investigation into Adams began following a complaint from a concerned citizen about drug sales involving fentanyl in Bradenton. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) identified Adams as the suspect using a finance app for transactions. Over several months, investigators noted frequent visitors at his residence who appeared to exchange items with him. Records showed that tens of thousands of dollars were transferred to Adams via the app, often using coded language associated with drugs.
On August 4, 2022, MCSO detectives executed a search warrant at Adams's home. They discovered a loaded handgun, scales, drug cutting agents, $22,000 in cash, and various drugs including methamphetamine and fentanyl. A subsequent search of his storage unit revealed additional drugs and firearms.
Adams had previously been convicted for cocaine trafficking and served 15 years in Florida state prison. As a felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation alongside the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shauna S. Hale.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. Launched on May 26, 2021, the Department's strategy focuses on fostering community trust and legitimacy while supporting violence prevention efforts.
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