Bangor Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Trafficking and Firearms Charges
BANGOR, Maine – Nikolas J. Raines, a 29-year-old Bangor man, pleaded guilty today in federal court to possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute, possessing a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm, Acting U.S. Attorney Donald E. Clark announced.
On November 12, 2020, agents with the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency executed a search warrant on a motel room in Bangor where Raines was staying. Upon searching Raines’ motel room, agents found 310 grams of fentanyl, along with a digital scale, a blender and other drug paraphernalia. They also found a loaded .22 caliber revolver close to the fentanyl.
Raines was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition because of prior Maine felony convictions. The charges against Raines carry significant penalties. On the drug trafficking charge, Raines faces a minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and a supervised release term of between five years and life.
On the charge of possessing a firearm in relation to drug trafficking, he faces a minimum of five years and up to life in prison, in addition to the sentence of imprisonment on the drug trafficking charge. On the charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm, he also faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency investigated the case.
Raines’ guilty plea marks a significant blow to the opioid epidemic that has ravaged communities across the country. The seizure of 310 grams of fentanyl is a substantial amount, and its presence on the streets could have had devastating consequences.
The investigation and subsequent charges against Raines demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement agencies to combatting the illicit trafficking of fentanyl and other deadly substances. As the nation grapples with the opioid crisis, it is more important than ever to hold individuals accountable for their role in perpetuating this public health emergency.
Related Federal Cases
- Methuen Man Pena Admits Heroin, Fentanyl Trafficking & Gun Charge · New Hampshire
- Bangor Resident Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Distribution · Pennsylvania
- Elkie Crump Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl, Crack Distribution · Florida
- East Machias Woman Sentenced for Fentanyl, Cocaine Trafficking · Washington
- Hartland Drug Kingpin Culver Gets 14-Year Lock for Fentanyl Ring · Massachusetts
Key Facts
- State: Maine
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Weapons|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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