Central Falls Man, 35, Charged in Undercover Drug Probe

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A Central Falls man with two prior felony drug distribution convictions has been brought up on another drug distribution charge after an undercover investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Woonsocket Police Department.

Eddie Torie Barr, 35, was charged with distribution of crack cocaine and arrested by DEA agents and Woonsocket detectives. He was ordered detained Wednesday by U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Lincoln D. Almond. If convicted, Barr could face more than 17 years in federal prison, according to a news release from the office of U.S. Attorney Peter F. Neronha.

Barr’s arrest was announced by Neronha; Steven W. Derr, special agent in charge of the New England Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration; and Woonsocket Police Chief Thomas S. Carey.

According to an affidavit filed with the court and information presented to the court during Barr’s initial appearance, on three occasions between Jan. 7 and Jan. 25, 2011, Barr sold crack cocaine in varying amounts to undercover Woonsocket detectives posing as drug traffickers. Barr also sold more than 48 grams of crack cocaine to the detectives for a total of $2,480, according to the affidavit.

Barr, who has two prior felony narcotics distribution convictions, could be declared a career offender by the court if convicted, and could face 17 to 21 years in prison. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S Attorney Milind M. Shah.

Read the article, by Tatiana Pina, online in the Providence Journal.