A Brockton man has admitted to selling fentanyl during controlled operations. Joshua Tavares, 29, pleaded guilty to three counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and its analogue. U.S. District Court Judge Brian E. Murphy set the sentencing for September 9, 2025.
The charges stem from six transactions conducted between September and November 2024, where Tavares sold approximately 549 grams of fentanyl analogue to a cooperating witness. These exchanges were recorded on video.
On December 3, 2024, authorities executed arrest and search warrants at several locations in Brockton. The searches led to the recovery of about four kilograms of suspected fentanyl, cocaine, drug packaging materials, over $89,000 in cash, and firearms including a .40 caliber Glock and a 9mm Glock with a machinegun conversion device.
Additional items found included another converted firearm with a tactical laser sight at a stash location along with ammunition and multiple loaded magazines. These conversion devices can turn firearms into fully automatic weapons.
The charge against Tavares carries a potential sentence ranging from ten years to life imprisonment, alongside supervised release terms and fines up to $10 million. Sentencing will adhere to federal guidelines.
This case announcement was made by United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Kimberly Milka of the FBI's Boston Division. Support came from the Massachusetts State Police and Brockton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard is handling the prosecution.
