BOSTON, MA – In federal court in Boston, a Lowell resident, Ricardo Colon, 34, has entered a guilty plea to charges related to firearms and drug offenses. The plea, made on March 20, encompasses one count each of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Sentencing has been set for June 10 by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs.
On March 21, 2022, Colon was apprehended with both cocaine and fentanyl intended for distribution. Additionally, he was in possession of an array of firearms and ammunition, including a .22 caliber revolver, two 9 mm pistols, multiple gun magazines, and 140 rounds of ammunition. Colon’s previous felony convictions bar him from owning firearms and ammunition.
The firearms possession charge could lead to a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $250,000. The drug distribution and possession charges could result in up to 20 years in prison, potentially a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are determined by federal district court judges based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and relevant statutes.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy, James M. Ferguson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division, and Greg Hudon of the Lowell Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Tobin of the Major Crimes Unit.