Boston As part of an ongoing federal investigation into the distribution of fentanyl along the North Shore, a man from Lynn entered a guilty plea on Monday to many drug trafficking offenses.
In addition to one count of possessing more than 400 grams of fentanyl with intent to distribute, Ricardo Bratini-Perez, 29, also known as Rico and Ricofromthesin, admitted to four charges of distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and fentanyl analog. His sentence date has been set for March 17, 2025 by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin.
Bratini-Perez, who was on probation after a state conviction for armed robbery and firearm charges, supplied methamphetamine and fentanyl to an undercover officer three times in March and April 2024, according to federal authorities. On April 8, 2024, he was taken into custody following his fourth narcotics sale. A later search of his home turned up more than 5,000 grams of fake fentanyl-laced tablets.
Possession of more than 500 grams of fentanyl with intent to distribute is punishable by a mandatory minimum term of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison, as well as fines of up to $10 million under federal law. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime and Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
With support from the Essex County District Attorney’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, the Massachusetts State Police, and the Lynn Police Department spearheaded the investigation. When officials announced the guilty plea, they highlighted the risks associated with fentanyl.
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