New Bedford Men Indicted on Federal Fentanyl, Firearm Charges

BOSTON — A pair of New Bedford men allegedly found in possession of more than 40 grams of fentanyl were indicted by a federal grand jury last week on drug and firearm offenses.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, David Acosta, 25, and Marquise Thompson, 34, were indicted on one count each of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Acosta was also charged with one count of carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.

Both were held pending a detention hearing scheduled for today.

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The U.S. Attorney’s Office said according to the indictment, on Oct. 22, 2020, Acosta and Thompson possessed more than 40 grams of fentanyl, intending to sell the drugs. Acosta was also allegedly in possession of a loaded Glock .45-caliber pistol at the same time.

The charge of possession with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $4 million.

The charge of possession of a firearm in relation to or in furtherance of drug trafficking provides for a mandatory minimum sentence five years and up to life in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.