David Desousa, Methamphetamine Distribution, Massachusetts 2022

A Malden man has pleaded guilty to distributing methamphetamine to an undercover law enforcement officer in federal court in Boston.

David Desousa, 32, pleaded guilty on September 22, 2022 to one count of distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, one count of distributing five grams or more of methamphetamine, one count of distributing a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine, and three counts of possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled sentencing for January 25, 2023. Desousa was arrested in August 2020 and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2020.

In February 2020, federal agents began an undercover investigation into DeSousa’s methamphetamine distribution activities. On three separate occasions in February, March, and July 2020, Desousa met with and sold various quantities of methamphetamine to an undercover agent.

Desousa was arrested on August 6, 2020 in Medford while he was travelling to deliver two ounces of methamphetamine to the undercover agent. More than 55 grams of 99% pure methamphetamine and 10.814 grams of cocaine base were seized from Desousa’s vehicle. During a subsequent search of Desousa’s residence, agents seized more than 75 grams of methamphetamine and a loaded Remington .380 caliber pistol. An additional 83 grams of 99% pure methamphetamine and $90,000 in cash were also seized from Desousa’s storage unit.

The charges of distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute each provide for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, a fine of up to $10 million and forfeiture.

The charge of distributing five grams or more of methamphetamine provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of 40 years in prison, at least four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, a fine of up to $5 million and forfeiture. The charge of distributing a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, a fine of $1 million and forfeiture.

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