Brockton Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun and Drug Charges

BOSTON (WBSM) -- A 23-year-old Brockton man pleaded guilty in federal court to firearm and drug trafficking offenses.

Antonio Denziah Fernandes admitted to illegally obtaining firearms while under indictment, distributing and possessing large quantities of fentanyl (over 100 grams), cocaine possession, and conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.

The investigation began in late 2021 after authorities received reports of Fernandes' narcotics and firearm activities. In January 2022, despite facing state charges for fentanyl trafficking, Fernandes sold a firearm. He also distributed fentanyl on multiple occasions near his residence.

Fernandes and an accomplice stored and packaged drugs in a parked van, using a separate vehicle for distribution. During his arrest, officers found a loaded gun near him and additional fentanyl. A search of the van uncovered a substantial amount of fentanyl, cocaine, other drugs and packaging materials.

Sentencing is scheduled for December 10, 2024.

The case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods, a federal initiative targeting gun violence and drug trafficking.