Bradenton Felon Convicted Of Drug Trafficking And Gun Charges

Tampa, Florida -United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that 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 forty 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.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Manatee County Sheriff's Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shauna S. Hale.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.