BOSTON – A Lynn man pleaded guilty Monday to multiple drug trafficking charges as part of an ongoing federal investigation into fentanyl distribution across the North Shore.
Ricardo Bratini-Perez, 29, also known as “Rico” and “Ricofromthesin,” admitted to four counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, fentanyl analog, and methamphetamine, as well as one count of possessing over 400 grams of fentanyl with intent to distribute. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin has scheduled his sentencing for March 17, 2025.
Federal prosecutors revealed that Bratini-Perez, who was on probation following a state conviction for armed robbery and firearm offenses, sold fentanyl and methamphetamine to an undercover officer on three occasions in March and April 2024. He was arrested on April 8, 2024, after a fourth drug sale. A subsequent search of his residence uncovered over 5,000 grams of counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl.
Under federal law, the charge of possessing over 500 grams of fentanyl with intent to distribute carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and could result in a life sentence, along with potential fines of up to $10 million. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime and Gang Unit.
The investigation was led by Homeland Security Investigations, the Massachusetts State Police, and the Lynn Police Department, with assistance from the Essex County District Attorney’s Office. Officials emphasized the dangers posed by fentanyl in their announcement of the guilty plea.