A federal jury has found Andre Adams, Jr. (43, Bradenton) guilty of possession of 500 grams or more of cocaine, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and 40 grams or more of fentanyl with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and for being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.
Adams faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 5 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 15, 2024. Adams was indicted on January 23, 2023.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) began investigating an unknown individual in Bradenton for selling fentanyl and using Cash App for payment after a complaint from a concerned citizen. Investigators were able to determine the identity of the individual as Andre Adams. Jr.
Over the next several months, investigators surveilled Adams’ residence and observed frequent visitors to the residence, briefly meeting with Adams and appearing to make exchanges with him. Adams’s Cash App records showed that tens of thousands of dollars had been paid to him over a short period of time. Many of the senders had known drug addiction issues and used coded drug language such as “Scooby snacks,” a street term for heroin or fentanyl.
On August 4, 2022, detectives with MCSO executed a search warrant at Adams’ residence. They discovered a loaded handgun, scales, drug-cutting agents, a money counter, Kilo press, $22,000 in cash, 55 grams of methamphetamine, 400 grams of cocaine, and 80 grams of fentanyl. Later that same day, investigators executed a search warrant at Adams’ storage unit.
There, they discovered two kilograms of cocaine, more than 350 grams of methamphetamine, drug-cutting agents, and a digital scale. They also discovered three additional firearms, including an AK-47 rifle and several dozen rounds of ammunition.
Prior to Adams’ conduct on August 4, 2022, he had been convicted of trafficking in cocaine and spent 15 years in Florida state prison. Therefore, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
Adams agreed to forfeit all firearms and ammunition found in this case.
- Former Army Reservist Cody Francis Guilty of Conspiring to Steal Government Funds - September 30, 2024
- Alphonse Bazile, Rayshaud Green Jailed 180 Months for Firearms Offences - September 30, 2024
- Gretna Resident Felix Mackey Sentenced to 192 Months in Prison for Methamphetamine, Cocaine Hydrochloride, Cocaine Base Trafficking - September 30, 2024
