Massachusetts man sentenced to prison on drug trafficking and firearm offenses

BOSTON – A Massachusetts man was sentenced last week in federal court in Boston in connection with trafficking fentanyl and cocaine.

30-year-old Paul Nova, also known as “Meagan,” of Brockton, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 150 months in prison and four years of supervised release. In June 2021, Nova pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of cocaine and one count of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.

In June 2017, Nova was found in possession of $5,000 in cash, two cell phones and fentanyl in distribution sized quantities. During a subsequent search of his apartment, a plaid bag containing 17 plastic bags containing approximately 840 grams of cocaine, 300 grams of fentanyl, multiple kilograms of cutting agents, drug distribution paraphernalia and client lists were found in a bedroom that had been locked with a deadbolt. Also found in the apartment was approximately $28,000, two digital scales, assorted packages and preparation materials, numerous cell phones and firearms: a stolen .40 Caliber Smith and Wesson model SW-40 handgun loaded with 12 rounds of ammunition; a Jimenez Arms model JA-22 handgun loaded with five rounds of ammunition; a .45 caliber Glock model 21 handgun with two high capacity magazines; a fully loaded .38 caliber Colt Cobra revolver handgun; a 9mm CZ model 75 handgun loaded with 14 rounds of ammunition; a Walter model P-22 handgun; a H&R model 929 Revolver loaded with eight rounds of ammunition; a large capacity magazine loaded with 12.40 caliber rounds of ammunition; and a 9mm high capacity magazines.

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Agency, Boston Field Office; and Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Dolan of Rollins’ Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.