Taunton drug and gun defendant sentenced up to four years in state prison

A 20-year-old Taunton drug dealer, who was also possessing illegal firearms, was sentenced to serve up to four years in state prison, District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced.

Emanuel Andrade pleaded guilty in Fall River Superior Court earlier this week to charges of unlawful possession a high capacity firearm, unlawful possession of an illegal firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, possession with intent to distribute a class B drug and assault and battery on a household member.

On March 2, 2017, Taunton Police were dispatched for a report of a woman in her underwear running out in the street. When police arrived, they encountered the woman, who told police the defendant had assaulted her. She also stated the defendant has guns and drugs in the house. Based upon her interview, Taunton Detective Bob Kramer applied for and received a search warrant for the home, which revealed three illegal firearms ( two of which are large capacity), along with 8 grams of cocaine, indicia of distribution, $28,000 in cash and more ammunition.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Michael Sheehan, and the 2-and-a-half to four years state prison term was handed down by Judge Renee Dupuis.

“This defendant was selling drugs and making a significant profit, along with being in possession of large capacity guns,” District Attorney Quinn said. “This type of behavior undermines the safety and quality of life for the citizens of Taunton. The state prison is appropriate.”