WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that a Wilmington, Delaware man was sentenced last week to over 10 years in federal prison for possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl while also illegally possessing two firearms. U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika pronounced the sentence.
According to court documents, Mandingo Joseph, age 38, was arrested on December 23, 2021, by agents and officers with the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”). DEA agents conducted a search of the defendant’s residence and found over 2,400 fake oxycodone pills containing fentanyl, fentanyl powder, pill cutting agents, and five digital scales, as well as two guns, one of which had a fully loaded extended magazine. Additionally, DEA agents intercepted a package the defendant mailed via the U.S. Postal Service containing over 1900 fake oxycodone tablets.
U.S. Attorney Weiss commented, “Hundreds of Delawareans succumb to fentanyl overdoses every year. For this reason, stopping the flow of fentanyl onto our streets remains a top priority of my office. Similarly, the illegal possession of firearms threatens the safety and security of our community. Such conduct will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and we will seek significant prison sentences for those who engage in this activity.”
“Fake pills containing illicit fentanyl are by far the biggest drug threat facing our communities today,” said Thomas Hodnett, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Philadelphia Field Division. “That Joseph possessed 4,300 of these pills as well as two guns, one of which had an extended capacity magazine, shows the threat that Joseph posed to the public. For that he has received a lengthy term in federal prison. Learn more about the dangers of fake pills from DEA’s One Pill Can Kill campaign, which can be accessed at www.DEA.gov.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander P. Ibrahim prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the DEA Wilmington Resident Office. The U.S. Attorney’s Office also wishes to thank the U.S. Postal Inspection Service for its contributions to the case.
The U. S. Attorney’s Office is committed to helping those who suffer from substance abuse. If you need help, drug treatment information is available any time through the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Treatment Referral Routing Service, found online at dpt2.samhsa.gov/treatment/ or by dialing 1.888.545.2600. Don’t let the pandemic stop you from beginning treatment.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 22-cr-47-MN.