Lewes man pleads guilty to federal fentanyl charge

A Lewes man who fled from Lewes police in 2024 pleaded guilty March 5 to fentanyl drug charge. 

According to court documents, Lewes police tried to pull over Brandon Barnes, 38, but he continued driving, eventually losing control of his car and striking a utility box before fleeing on foot. Once police caught Barnes, they found numerous blue pills marked M30 scattered across the floor and driver’s seat of the car, as well as blue pills between the car and where police arrested Barnes. Police ultimately recovered over 500 pressed fentanyl pills.

Barnes pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing fentanyl and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties, officials said. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence on July 15.