Denys Gonzalez Hernandez, a 33-year-old man from Lynn, pleaded guilty on Mar. 26 in federal court in Boston to drug trafficking and firearm offenses. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin set sentencing for June 25.
This case is significant as it involves large quantities of illegal drugs and firearms, raising concerns about community safety and ongoing efforts to address violent crime linked to drug trafficking.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Hernandez admitted guilt for possession with intent to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl, over 28 grams of cocaine base (crack cocaine), methamphetamine, and for possessing a firearm during these activities. He was indicted alongside his alleged co-conspirator Lexus Perez in March 2025.
Authorities said that during a February 2025 search of the apartment shared by Perez and Hernandez in Lynn, law enforcement seized two loaded firearms along with significant amounts of fentanyl, crack cocaine, and methamphetamine. Following this search, Hernandez was arrested; officers reportedly found additional baggies containing cocaine and fentanyl hidden inside his sock.
The charge related to distributing large amounts of controlled substances carries a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years up to life imprisonment, at least five years up to lifetime supervised release, and a fine that could reach $10 million. The firearm charge adds at least five years consecutive prison time if convicted on both counts. Sentences will be determined by the judge according to federal guidelines.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the plea along with officials from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker; and Chief Christopher P. Reddy of the Lynn Police Department.
The prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America—a national initiative aiming “to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.” The program coordinates resources through several Justice Department task forces focused on organized crime.
