Central Falls Man Arraigned on Federal Firearms, Drug Trafficking Charges

PROVIDENCE, RI – A Central Falls man arrested during a Project Safe Neighborhoods investigation in Central Falls was arraigned today in U.S. District Court in Providence on federal drug trafficking and firearms charges.

 Elton Andrade aka “MT Flex,”19, was arraigned on a four-count federal indictment charging  him with possession with the intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and two counts of possession of a stolen firearm. A not guilty plea was entered during his appearance before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Patricia A. Sullivan.

It is alleged in court documents that Andrade is a member of a neighborhood based street gang identified as “Money Team.” It is alleged that numerous “Money Team” members’ social media postings include repeated displays of firearms, illegal narcotics and gang signs.

Andrade’s indictment and arraignment are announced by United States Attorney Stephen G. Dambruch, Central Falls Police Chief Colonel James J. Mendonca, and Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Harold H. Shaw.

According to information presented to the Court, it is alleged that on February 26, 2018, as part of an ongoing Project Safe Neighborhoods investigation, Central Falls Police and members of the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force executed a court-authorized search warrant at a residence Andrade shared with others. It is alleged that from Elton Andrade’s bedroom, law enforcement seized two plastic baggies containing a total of 33.24 grams of crack cocaine, two stolen firearms, a .380 caliber handgun and a .357 caliber handgun, and $1,503 in cash.

Andrade was located by law enforcement and arrested on February 28, 2018. He has been detained since his arrest.

An indictment 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.

Project Safe Neighborhoods is a federal, state and local law enforcement collaboration to identify, investigate and prosecute individuals responsible for violent crimes in our neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

This Project Safe Neighborhoods case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald R. Gendron.