WILMINGTON, DEL. — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)), published as received.
WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced today that a Newark, Delaware man was sentenced to 32 years in federal prison for his leadership in a fentanyl and methamphetamine distribution conspiracy and for tampering with a witness set to testify in a federal court proceeding. Chief U.S. District Judge Colm F. Connolly pronounced the sentence.
According to court documents, Malik Moss was arrested in December 2021, after a three-month federal wiretap investigation demonstrated that Moss and his co-conspirators purchased bulk amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine for distribution throughout Delaware. Search warrants executed on drug stash houses associated with the conspirators yielded four firearms and various drugs -- methamphetamine, fentanyl, xylazine, a horse tranquilizer that is often sold in combination with fentanyl and heroin.
Co-conspirator Gerardo Rodriguez was sentenced to 63 months in prison and co-conspirator Tyrell Pankins was sentenced to 110 months in prison for their respective roles in the drug distribution conspiracy. Co-conspirators Jacob Santiago, Jesus Alfaro, and Christina Chamberlain have yet to be sentenced.
U.S. Attorney Weiss commented, “Trafficking in illegal drugs is a serious federal offense, especially when the drug dealers possess firearms. Combining illicit drugs with xylazine increases the harmful effects stemming from drug use. Together with our law enforcement partners, my office is committed to combating drug trafficking and violent crime endangering the safety of our communities.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander P. Ibrahim prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the New Castle County Police Department. The U.S. Attorney’s Office wishes to thank the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives, Delaware State Police, and Delaware Department of Correction Probation and Parole.
The United States Attorney’s Office also seeks to connect those who suffer from substance abuse to the resources they need. If you need help, drug treatment information is available any time through the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Treatment Referral Routing Service, found online at dpt2.samhsa.gov/treatment/ or by dialing 1.888.545.2600.
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 is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 22-cr-24.
