A Quincy resident has been sentenced in federal court for his role in trafficking firearms and distributing fentanyl. Caesar Ross, 41, received a sentence of 90 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. The sentencing was handed down by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Dennis F. Saylor IV.
Ross pleaded guilty in July 2024 to one count of firearms trafficking and one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
According to court documents, over a three-month period in 2020, Ross obtained 23 firearms with obliterated serial numbers from an individual based in Florida. In exchange for the firearms, Ross provided fentanyl. He specifically requested that the serial numbers be removed from the weapons, which he and his associates then distributed to individuals who were not legally allowed to possess them in Massachusetts.
Authorities have recovered at least five of these firearms in Boston and surrounding areas. These weapons were found with felons and gang members, as well as at locations linked to gunfire incidents and armed assaults. The remaining firearms have not yet been located.
Ross was arrested in September 2023 after providing approximately 60 grams of fentanyl to a cooperating witness in exchange for four firearms without visible serial numbers.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley stated: “United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Bryan DiGirolamo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Feld Division made the announcement today.” She also acknowledged support from the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England Division and the Quincy Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna J. Nuzum prosecuted the case.
The prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that coordinates law enforcement efforts at all levels with community organizations to reduce gun violence and violent crime across neighborhoods. The Department launched an enhanced violent crime reduction strategy on May 26, 2021, focusing on building trust within communities, supporting prevention efforts through local organizations, setting targeted enforcement priorities, and tracking outcomes. More information about Project Safe Neighborhoods can be found at Justice.gov/PSN.
