Derris Mayberry, a 37-year-old resident of Denver, has been sentenced to 110 months in federal prison. The sentence follows his conviction by federal juries on charges of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The convictions stem from an incident on March 22, 2024. During an undercover operation near the Colorado State Capitol, officers were led to Mayberry by a woman who offered “dope” and mentioned knowing someone who could provide fentanyl pills. An audio recording documented the negotiation between an undercover officer and Mayberry for fentanyl pills. Following the transaction, law enforcement found Mayberry at a nearby bus stop with a loaded .22 caliber revolver in his pocket, despite his status as a convicted felon prohibiting him from possessing firearms. Further search revealed additional fentanyl pills and marked money used by the officer.
Acting U.S. Attorney J. Bishop Grewell emphasized the office’s focus on prosecuting fentanyl traffickers: “Illicit fentanyl destroys lives.” Chris Ashbridge, ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge, highlighted the threat posed by felons distributing drugs and possessing firearms: “Felons illegally possessing firearms and distributing deadly drugs like fentanyl pose a serious and immediate threat to public safety.”
Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas commended the proactive police work that led to Mayberry’s sentencing: “What began as great, proactive police work ended with an armed dealer of dangerous narcotics being sentenced to prison to a lengthy term.”
United States District Judge Daniel D. Domenico presided over the case. The investigation was conducted by the Denver Police Department VICE unit and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The prosecution was managed by Assistant United States Attorneys Theodore O’Brien and Celeste Rangel.
