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David Acosta, Fentanyl and Firearm Offenses, Massachusetts 2021
BOSTON – In a shocking turn of events, a federal grand jury indicted two New Bedford men on fentanyl and firearm offenses last week. The indictment, announced by Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel Mendell, reveals a disturbing tale of narcotics trafficking and gun violence.
David Acosta, 25, and Marquise Thompson, 34, were charged with possession with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl. Acosta also faces charges of carrying a firearm during and in relation to, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime.
According to the indictment, on October 22, 2020, Acosta and Thompson possessed more than 40 grams of fentanyl, intending to sell those narcotics. Moreover, Acosta was allegedly in possession of a loaded Glock .45 caliber pistol during and in relation to his fentanyl possession.
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 of five years and up to life in prison, five years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Gotlob of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Following an initial appearance on Friday, May 14, 2021, Acosta and Thompson were detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for May 19, 2021.
Defendant: David Acosta
Criminal Charges: Possession with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl; carrying a firearm during and in relation to, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime
City and State: New Bedford, Massachusetts
Exact Date: October 22, 2020
Sentence or Outcome: Detained pending a detention hearing
Dollar Amounts: Up to $4 million fine for fentanyl charge; up to $250,000 fine for firearm charge
Key Facts
- State: Massachusetts
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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