A Lynn man is facing multiple charges involving drug offenses after his arraignment on Tuesday. Ricardo Bratini-Perez, known by nicknames "Rico" and "Ricofromthesin," has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of distributing and possessing illegal substances including fentanyl, fentanyl analog, and methamphetamine, as reported in a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office.
The investigation revealed that Bratini-Perez was on probation following his release from state custody on armed robbery and firearm charges when he subsequently sold drugs to an undercover officer on multiple occasions between March and April 2024. On April 8, 2024, after his fourth sale to the undercover officer, Bratini-Perez was arrested. Investigators, following the arrest, executed a search warrant at his residence, uncovering more than 5,000 grams of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl.
Under the charges, Bratini-Perez could face a sentence of 10 years to life in prison, with five years to life of supervised release and a fine that could reach up to $10,000,000. Sentences are decided by a federal district court judge, based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes that determine sentencing in criminal cases. The U.S. Attorney's Office has stressed that the indictment's details are merely allegations and Bratini-Perez will remain innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The announcement of the arraignment was made by a team of law enforcement officials, including Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Michael J. Krol, Homeland Security Investigations; Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble from the Massachusetts State Police; and Lynn Police Chief Christopher P. Reddy. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime and Gang Unit.
