Gulfport, Miss. – Andarius Cordero Thomas, 25, of Biloxi, pled guilty on December 4, 2018, before Senior U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr., to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent-in-Charge Dana Nichols with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The Biloxi Police Department conducted three undercover controlled buys of methamphetamine from Thomas on April 20, 2017, April 26, 2017, and May 18, 2017. A search of Thomas’ residence revealed 3 grams of methamphetamine, 1,300 grams of marijuana, 3 digital scales, 6 boxes of small plastic baggies, 2 partially smoked marijuana cigarettes, and a loaded 9mm pistol with ammunition, which Thomas used during his drug distribution.
Additionally, Thomas was stopped by Biloxi police on April 4, 2018, where he was the sole occupant in the vehicle and marijuana smoke was emanating from the vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed marijuana, a digital scale, and a loaded 40 caliber pistol which had been stolen. A search of the area next to Thomas’ bed at his mother’s home revealed another 8 grams of marijuana.
Thomas will be sentenced by Judge Guirola on March 5, 2019, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine for the drug charge and a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the firearm charge.
U.S. Attorney Hurst commended the coordinated investigation by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and by the City of Biloxi Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris.