Lewes Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Fentanyl Charge

WILMINGTON, Del. - A Lewes man pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Hall accepted the plea.

According to court documents, Brandon Barnes, 38, fled from Lewes Police during a car stop in July 2024. Barnes lost control of his car and struck a utility box before fleeing on foot. Once police caught Barnes, they found numerous blue pills marked "M30" scattered across the floor and driver's seat of the car, as well as blue pills between the car and where police arrested Barnes. Police ultimately recovered over 500 pressed fentanyl pills.

Barnes pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing fentanyl and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is scheduled for July 15, 2026.

U.S. Attorney Benjamin L. Wallace made the announcement. The Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from Lewes Police Department, investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle Thurstlic-O'Neill and Samuel S. Frey are prosecuting the case.

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 are located on the website of the District CourtLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. for the District of Delaware or on PACERLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. by searching for Case No. 24-cr-122.