Lowell Man Sentenced to 66 Months for Fentanyl, Cocaine, and Gun Crimes

A Lowell man, Ricardo Colon, 36, has been sentenced to 66 months in prison for his involvement in fentanyl, cocaine, and gun crimes.

BOSTON – In a federal court in Boston, U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs handed down the sentence to Colon, who pleaded guilty in March 2024 to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, as well as one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

On March 21, 2022, Colon was found in possession of cocaine and fentanyl intended for distribution, as well as firearms and ammunition, including a .22 caliber revolver, two 9 mm pistols, multiple gun magazines, and 18 rounds of ammunition. As a result of his multiple previous felony convictions, Colon is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.

Colon’s arrest and subsequent charges are part of the ongoing effort to combat gun violence and reduce crime in Massachusetts. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Tobin of the Major Crimes Unit. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy, James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division, and Greg Hudon, Superintendent of the Lowell Police Department, made the announcement.

The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing gun violence and making communities safer through collaboration between law enforcement and the communities they serve. PSN has been instrumental in strengthening community-based organizations that help prevent violence and fostering trust and legitimacy in communities.

Colon will spend 66 months behind bars, followed by three years of supervised release. The sentence reflects the severity of his crimes and the potential harm they could have caused to his community. As the city continues to grapple with the effects of gun violence and drug trafficking, this sentence serves as a reminder of the consequences of such actions.

The Department of Justice has been working tirelessly to combat the scourge of gun violence and drug trafficking in Massachusetts. With programs like Project Safe Neighborhoods, they are working to build trust and legitimacy in communities, support community-based organizations, and set focused enforcement priorities. The outcome of this case is a testament to the effectiveness of this approach.

The DOJ’s efforts to combat gun violence and reduce crime are ongoing, and the public is encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the authorities. By working together, we can make our communities safer and reduce the incidence of gun violence and drug trafficking.

For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

The Lowell Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts have all been involved in this case, and their collaboration is a prime example of the effective partnership-building that PSN seeks to promote.

This case serves as a reminder that the consequences of gun violence and drug trafficking are severe and that those who engage in such activities will be held accountable. By working together, we can create safer, more prosperous communities for all.