Fall River man sentenced to prison for possession of ghost gun, large capacity magazine, cocaine

Attorney General Peter Neronha announced that a Massachusetts man has been sentenced in Providence County Superior Court to serve seven years at the Adult Correctional Institutions for possession of a ghost gun, a large capacity magazine, and cocaine.

On April 2, 2024, before Superior Court Justice Maureen Keough, 33-year-old David Stuart of Fall River pleaded nolo contendere to possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a ghost gun, possession of a firearm by a fugitive from justice, and possession of large capacity magazine. Judge Keough sentenced Keough to serve seven years at the ACI, including five years for possession of a large capacity magazine, which is the maximum penalty for that crime.

“This case is a perfect example of gun safety laws working as they should,” said Attorney General Neronha. “These laws are meant to protect the public by holding accountable those who break them and serving as a deterrent to those inclined to break them. I thank Judge Keough for her decision to sentence the defendant to considerable jail time for his crimes. When we effectively use the tools at our disposal to reduce gun violence, we will continue to see results. I am grateful to the Rhode Island State Police for their outstanding work and partnership in this case.”

Had the case proceeded to trial, the State was prepared to prove that Keough was in possession of a ghost gun, a large capacity magazine, and 37.5 grams of cocaine.

In March 2023, members of the Massachusetts Violent Fugitive Apprehension Sections requested assistance from the Rhode Island Violent Fugitive Task Force in locating and apprehending a violent fugitive (Keough) who they believed to be staying at a residence on Old River Road in Lincoln.

On Monday, March 6, 2023, at approximately 10:15 a.m., as investigators conducted surveillance, they observed Keough exit the rear of the Lincoln residence and enter a blue Kia. As the Kia exited the parking lot, investigators conducted a motor vehicle stop and took Keough into custody without incident. At that time, investigators seized two baggies of suspected crack cocaine on the defendant’s person.

At approximately 2:50 p.m., investigators conducted a court-authorized search of the residence on Old River Road and seized a .40 caliber semi-automatic ghost gun, a large capacity magazine, and $2,600 in cash.

Later, the State Forensic Chemistry Lab confirmed the presence of cocaine in the drugs seized from Keough.

Special Assistant Attorney General Daniel Hopkins of the Office of the Attorney General and Detectives Gregory DeMarco and Theodore Gibbons of the Rhode Island State Police led the investigation and prosecution of the case.