A Newport man is behind bars after Rhode Island State Police say his alarming social media posts triggered a federal tip and led to the discovery of illegal weapons.
Authorities arrested 27-year-old Alexander Bestoso of Newport on Thursday following an investigation sparked by information provided by the U.S. Treasury Department in February. Officials said the agency alerted state police to troubling online activity.
Investigators say Bestoso posted anti-government rhetoric, racist content, and threats of violence on his X account, raising concerns among law enforcement.
According to Rhode Island State Police, a review of the account uncovered photos and videos showing Bestoso displaying a firearm he allegedly described as a ghost gun—a weapon that lacks a serial number and is often assembled from parts.
Police said Bestoso also posted videos claiming it was his right to possess illegal firearms and warned that if federal or local authorities “try to come for me,” he would take action against them.
On Thursday, Rhode Island State Police and agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) executed a search warrant at Bestoso’s residence on Morgan Street in Newport, as well as his vehicle.
Authorities say they recovered a fully loaded ghost gun, six large-capacity magazines, an AR-style rifle, a pistol, two lower rifle receivers, body armor, and other items.
Bestoso was charged with manufacturing, selling, purchasing, or possessing a ghost or 3D-printed firearm, carrying a pistol without a license, and other weapons offenses.
He was arraigned Thursday and ordered held at the Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI) on $20,000 surety bail.
Police say he is scheduled to return to court for re-arraignment Friday.
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