NEWPORT RHODE ISLAND, A local man is facing charges after social media comments led authorities to investigate and seize several weapons.
According to State Police, during the last week of February the Rhode Island State Intelligence Unit received information from the U.S. Treasury Department regarding a residence in Newport and concerning social media posts. The individual in question, identified as 27-year-old Alexander Bestoso of Morgan Street in Newport, Rhode Island, was allegedly posting extreme anti-government rhetoric, expressing racist views, and making threats of violence through his social media account.
Members of the Rhode Island State Police conducted a detailed review of Bestoso’s account on “X,” where investigators said they found content advocating violence and strongly opposing both local and federal gun laws. Several posts reportedly included images and videos showing Bestoso displaying firearms, including a handgun that he identified as a ghost gun. In the videos, he reportedly claimed it was his right to possess illegal firearms and said he would respond if federal or local authorities attempted to take action against him.
On Thursday morning, members of the Rhode Island State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms executed a court-authorized search warrant involving Alexander Bestoso, including his vehicle and his residence on Morgan Street in Newport. During the execution of the warrant, investigators reported finding a fully loaded ghost gun concealed in Bestoso’s waistband. Authorities said it appeared to be the same weapon shown in his online posts.
During the search, Rhode Island State Police also seized six loaded large-capacity magazines, a Diamondback Firearms AR-style rifle, a Springfield 1911 pistol, two lower rifle receivers, a lower pistol receiver, body armor, various firearm tools and parts, and an assortment of ammunition for different caliber firearms.
Bestoso was taken into custody and transported to the Rhode Island State Police Wickford Barracks for processing. He was later arraigned before a Justice of the Peace and charged with Carrying a Pistol or Revolver Without a License or Permit, Large Capacity Feeding Devices (six counts), Manufacture, Sale, Purchase or Possession of a Ghost or 3D Gun (three counts), and Possession of Unlawful Devices Attached to a Semi-Automatic Weapon Allowing Automatic Fire.
Under Rhode Island law (R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-47-8), a “ghost gun” is defined as a firearm, frame, or receiver that does not contain a unique serial number engraved by a licensed manufacturer. These types of firearms are often assembled from unfinished parts kits or created using 3D printing technology. Since the 2020 ban in Rhode Island, the manufacture, sale, or possession of a ghost gun is considered a felony and can carry a penalty of up to 10 years in prison.
State law (R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-47.1-3) also makes it illegal to manufacture, sell, purchase, or possess a large-capacity feeding device capable of holding more than ten rounds of ammunition. After a 180-day grace period ended in December 2022, possession of such devices became a felony offense that may result in a prison sentence of up to five years.
Bestoso was specially arraigned and bail was set at $20,000 surety. He was later released to the custody of the Adult Correctional Institution, and his re-arraignment is scheduled in Second Division District Court on Friday.
