Derick Coulanges, Fentanyl Trafficking, Massachusetts 2024

Malden Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Trafficking and Identity Theft

BOSTON, MA - In a shocking turn of events, Derick Coulanges, a 28-year-old Malden man, has pleaded guilty to distributing fentanyl and using stolen identities to conduct transactions and obtain credit cards. This disturbing case highlights the growing threat of fentanyl trafficking and identity theft in the Commonwealth.

According to court records, Coulanges, also known as 'Casa,' was recorded selling a cooperating witness 50 grams of fentanyl in his Mercedes Benz in January and February 2023. The recordings also revealed that he offered to procure counterfeit driver's licenses for the cooperating witness containing stolen personal identifying information (PII). Coulanges explained how these counterfeit licenses could be used to open bank accounts and obtain credit cards to purchase items.

In March 2023, a search of Coulanges' Malden apartment, which he had obtained using a drug customer's stolen identity, revealed approximately 28 grams of methamphetamine. A search of his Mercedes Benz uncovered six driver's licenses bearing stolen PII and one counterfeit license that bore Coulanges' photograph but contained stolen PII of an individual from Ohio.

A subsequent investigation revealed that the individuals associated with the driver's licenses had been the victims of identity theft and had bank accounts and credit cards opened in their name. The counterfeit driver's license bearing Coulanges' photograph had been used to open bank accounts, apply for loans, and obtain credit cards. Surveillance footage showed Coulanges opening the accounts and utilizing the fraudulently obtained credit cards to conduct transactions at various retailers, including two jewelry stores where he purchased approximately $12,000 in jewelry.

Coulanges pleaded guilty on January 5, 2024, to distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of five or more identification documents with intent to use them unlawfully, and use of and trafficking in unauthorized access devices with intent to defraud to obtain property valued over $1,000.

U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for April 12, 2024. The charge of distribution and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of possession of five or more identification documents with intent to use them unlawfully provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of use of unauthorized access devices to fraudulently obtain more than $1,000 provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.

Derick Coulanges, a.k.a. 'Casa,' is currently awaiting sentencing and faces a maximum of 45 years in prison, fines, and supervised release.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy, Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division, and John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/malden-man-pleads-guilty-distributing-fentanyl-and-using-and-trafficking-stolen