Brockton man pleads guilty to federal weapons and drug charges

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

Antonio Denziah Fernandes admitted to illegally obtaining firearms, distributing and possessing large quantities of fentanyl (over 100 grams), and possessing cocaine and conspiring to distribute fentanyl during the arraignment.

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

Fernandes and an accomplice stored and packaged drugs in a parked van and used a separate vehicle for distribution. When he was arrested, officers found a loaded gun and additional fentanyl next to him. A search of the van found a significant amount of fentanyl, cocaine, other drugs and packaging materials.

The verdict is scheduled for December 10, 2024.

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