Placido Pereira, Fentanyl Distribution and Firearm Charges, Massachusetts 2023

Brockton, Massachusetts – Placido Pereira, 36, of Brockton, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl; three counts of distribution of fentanyl; one count of possession with the intent to distribute marijuana; one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition; and one count of possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking offense.

According to court records, Pereira’s guilty plea comes after an investigation into a violent Brockton-area drug crew that distributed large quantities of fentanyl throughout southeastern Massachusetts. The crew ran a fentanyl delivery service that encompassed all of Brockton as well as neighboring cities.

Pereira was indicted along with three co-conspirators in November 2019. An undercover law enforcement officer made six purchases of fentanyl from members of the crew in September and October 2019. A search of Pereira’s Brockton home resulted in the seizure of a loaded firearm with an obliterated serial number, over $5,000 in cash, digital scales, marijuana packaged for sale, and the cell phone used by members of the crew to distribute fentanyl.

Pereira’s record already shows multiple convictions related to his involvement in drug trafficking. In 2017, he was convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute marijuana and was sentenced to three years in prison. In 2010, Pereira was arrested on drug trafficking charges at Logan Airport as he returned to the United States from Cape Verde and was later sentenced to 30 months in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute cocaine base.

On Sept. 14, 2022, Jason Miranda pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy and is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 18, 2023. Defrancesco was sentenced in June 2021 after previously pleading guilty.

U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled sentencing for April 5, 2023. Pereira faces a charge of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and distribution of fentanyl, which provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million.

Defendant: Placido Pereira

Criminal Charges: Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl; three counts of distribution of fentanyl; one count of possession with the intent to distribute marijuana; one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition; and one count of possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking offense.

City and State: Brockton, Massachusetts

Exact Date: The investigation began in 2019.

Sentence or Outcome: Sentencing is scheduled for April 5, 2023.

Dollar Amounts: Over $5,000 in cash was seized during the search of Pereira’s home.

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