WILMINGTON, Del. – David Loper, 23, of Wilmington, made his initial appearance today, September 24, 2026, for fentanyl trafficking and firearms offenses. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sherry R. Fallon.
According to court documents, on June 3, 2026, officers found suspected drugs and two digital scales in plain view in the living room of Loper’s residence. The Wilmington Police Department obtained a search warrant for the home and recovered three bundles and 24 individual bags of fentanyl, drug paraphernalia, more than $16,000 in cash and a firearm.
The criminal complaint charges Loper with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C), and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). If convicted, Loper faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S Attorney Benjamin L. Wallace, Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul of the FBI Baltimore Field Office, and Wilmington Police Department Chief of Police Wilfredo Campos made the announcement.
The FBI’s Delaware Violent Crime and Safe Streets Task Force and Wilmington Police Department investigated the case with assistance from the Delaware Department of Correction’s Probation and Parole. Assistant U.S. Attorney James Lafferty is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:26-mj-00486-UNA
Source: U.S. Attorney’s Office — Delaware — U.S. Department of Justice press release.