A Lewes resident, Brandon Barnes, has pleaded guilty to a federal charge of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. The plea was accepted by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Hall.
Court documents indicate that in July 2024, Barnes fled from Lewes Police during a traffic stop. After losing control of his vehicle and hitting a utility box, he attempted to escape on foot. Police apprehended him and found numerous blue pills marked “M30” both inside the car and between the vehicle and the arrest location. Authorities recovered over 500 pressed fentanyl pills.
Barnes admitted guilt to possessing with intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing fentanyl. He faces up to 20 years in prison; however, sentences for federal crimes are often less than the maximum allowed by law. The sentence will be determined by a federal district court judge after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is set for July 15, 2026.
U.S. Attorney Benjamin L. Wallace announced the plea agreement. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with help from the Lewes Police Department, while Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle Thurstlic-O’Neill and Samuel S. Frey are prosecuting.
Additional information about this case can be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware or through PACER by searching Case No. 24-cr-122.
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