An Oxford man has copped to slinging dope around Quincy and Weymouth, pleading guilty to charges related to a sprawling drug trafficking conspiracy. Chaasad Cyprien, 23, who folded last week before a federal judge, potentially faces two decades in the slammer for his role in the fentanyl and cocaine distribution operation.

According to documents released by the Justice Department, Cyprien pled guilty to possession with intent to quickly distribute cocaine and to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, setting the stage for sentencing on July 17, 2024. The young man was bagged back in September 2022 along with three other accomplices, two of whom have remained defiant, pleading not guilty as they wait to face trial.

U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young, who is presiding over the case, will decide the fate of Cyprien, who could be locked away for up to two decades. The charges also bring the possibility of a lifetime on supervised release and a hefty fine of up to $1 million. These heavy consequences are based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other applicable laws.

Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen of the FBI's Boston Division, deeply involved in the efforts to clamp down on such criminal enterprises, credited their break in the case to the assistance provided by several law enforcement agencies. They noted, in particular, the contributions from the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department, Plymouth and Weymouth Police Departments, and the FBI’s Metro Boston Gang Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistants U.S. Attorneys Kaitlin R. O’Donnell and Philip A. Mallard who are part of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit, trying to decisively disrupt the drug trade.

While Cyprien has admitted to his crimes, the presumption of innocence remains for Aderito Amado, Neylton Fontes, and Erica Vieira unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Their trials will unfold in the court of law, where the charges against them will be rigorously tested.