Lewes Man Pleads Guilty after Found with 500+ Fentanyl Pills

LEWES, Del. – A Lewes man pleaded guilty today in federal court to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

According to court documents, 38-year-old Brandon Barnes, fled from Lewes Police during a car stop in Jul. 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. More blue pills were recovered between the car and where police arrested Barnes.

Police ultimately recovered over 500 pressed fentanyl pills.

On Mar. 5, Barnes pled guilty to all charges. U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Hall accepted the plea. Barnes faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and his sentencing is scheduled for Jul. 15. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.