Brooklyn Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Cocaine Charge

WILMINGTON, Del. - A Brooklyn, New York, man pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute cocaine. U.S. District Judge Gregrory B. Williams accepted the plea.

According to court documents, New Castle County Police officers were on patrol in the area of the Christiana Mall when they saw a car commit several traffic violations. Officers stopped the car and identified Daniel Fernandez, 44, as one of the passengers. Officers called for a drug sniffing dog, which gave a positive alert to the presence of drugs in the car. During a later search of the car, officers discovered approximately 10 kilograms of cocaine, 3 pounds of methamphetamine, and over 300 grams each of heroin and fentanyl. Fernandez admitted that the drugs were his.

Fernandez pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine 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 28, 2026.

U.S. Attorney Benjamin L. Wallace and DEA, Philadelphia Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Thomas Hodnett made the announcement.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the New Castle County Police Department, investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Thurstlic-O'Neill is 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. 26-cr-004.

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