News Summary
A U.S. District Court judge has ruled that Alessio D’Andrea, accused of serious felonies including federal weapon violations and poisoning a colleague, will stay free under strict conditions. The decision follows ongoing scrutiny of his criminal history. Arrested last month, D’Andrea confessed to contaminating a colleague’s drink with windshield wiper fluid. Currently on unpaid leave from his job, he must inform potential employers about his legal troubles as the investigation unfolds, raising concerns about workplace safety and hiring practices.
Johnston – A U.S. District Court judge has decided that 29-year-old Alessio D’Andrea of Johnston will remain free despite facing serious felony charges, including federal weapons violations and accusations of poisoning a fellow employee. The ruling was made on August 5, 2025, and comes amid ongoing scrutiny regarding D’Andrea’s criminal history and employment background.
D’Andrea, who was arrested last month in North Providence, confessed to tampering with a colleague’s sports drink by replacing the contents with windshield wiper fluid. Additionally, he was already out on a $10,000 bond from a previous federal investigation when he was taken into custody. This earlier bond had conditions that mandated he not breach any laws and required him to comply with mental health treatment protocols, along with restrictions on his movements except for work or medical reasons.
In the latest court proceedings, U.S. Magistrate Judge Patricia A. Sullivan rejected the government’s appeal to detain D’Andrea but instituted stricter bond conditions. Under these new stipulations, he is required to notify potential employers about his ongoing legal issues. Currently, D’Andrea has been on unpaid leave from his position with the North Providence Department of Public Works since July 2, 2025.
Background of Charges
D’Andrea’s legal troubles began in July 2023 when he was apprehended during a raid conducted by authorities from Homeland Security, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Johnston police. Law enforcement officials confiscated a total of 27 firearms from his residence, including various handguns, shotguns, and rifles, as well as an AR-15 auto sear switch capable of turning a semi-automatic firearm into an automatic weapon. Prosecutors also discovered two unregistered silencers, one of which was reportedly attached to a rifle.
In relation to the recent charges of felony poisoning, D’Andrea has acknowledged his actions, which allegedly involved contaminating a beverage in a communal setting. The incident highlights alarming behavioral concerns, raising questions about D’Andrea’s capacity for maintaining a safe work environment.
Employment Concerns
Compounding the situation is the revelation that D’Andrea’s hiring at the North Providence Department of Public Works in July 2024 was marred by “systematic failures.” A thorough background check, which would have revealed his prior bond status and federal weapons allegations, was not performed. This oversight, as pointed out by Joshua Hernandez, the director of human resources in North Providence, contributed to his employment despite his troubling history.
Ongoing Investigation
As the case continues to unfold, D’Andrea has pleaded not guilty to the charges involving possession of an unregistered firearm silencer and unlicensed importation and transportation of a machine gun from outside the U.S. The legal proceedings will examine the implications of both his alleged criminal actions and the failures of the hiring process that allowed him to gain employment with a public sector agency.
The circumstances surrounding this case have sparked considerable discussion about workplace safety and the importance of conducting comprehensive background checks. As the investigation progresses, authorities will monitor D’Andrea’s compliance with the new bond conditions specifically designed to address concerns that have arisen from his ongoing legal battles.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Town Employee Charged for Disturbing Prank Involving Poison
Additional Resources
- WPRI – Johnston Man Facing Federal Weapons Charges
- Wikipedia: Criminal Law
- Providence Journal – Man Accused of Poisoning
- Google Search: Johnston man federal weapons charges
- ABC6 – R.I. State Police Arrest Three
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Firearm
- WFSB – Rhode Island Man Arrested
- Google News: Rhode Island Arrest
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
