Boston Felon Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl, Gun Charges

BOSTON – Francisco Gabriel Diaz, a 32-year-old repeat felon from Boston, has pleaded guilty in federal court to serious drug and firearms offenses.

Diaz admitted to possessing over 40 grams of fentanyl with intent to distribute and carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking offense. Sentencing is set for October 10, 2024.

The search that led to Diaz’s arrest on June 24, 2021, uncovered a black Taurus G2S 9mm firearm, live rounds of ammunition, and substantial quantities of fentanyl and crack cocaine. The incident occurred while he was under federal supervised release.

Under the current charges, Diaz faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years for the fentanyl offense, with a potential maximum sentence of up to 40 years. For the firearm possession, he could be sentenced to at least five years and up to life in prison, along with a fine of up to $250,000.

The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing gun violence and other violent crimes in Boston. The Department of Justice has launched a violent crime reduction strategy focusing on fostering community trust, supporting local organizations, and setting strategic enforcement priorities.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA, Boston Field Division, announced the guilty plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin A. Saltzman is prosecuting the case.

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