A Wareham man pleaded guilty to conspiring to kill a witness in a federal case in Massachusetts.

Kareem Pires, 27, of Wareham, pleaded guilty in federal court in Providence, Rhode Island, to conspiracy to tamper with a witness or informant by killing or attempting to kill in connection with a murder-for-hire plot.

“Kareem Pires not only wanted the witness dead, but he was also willing to help kill other intended targets. Given Mr. Pires’ lack of respect for human life, he belongs behind bars, and that’s exactly where today’s conviction will keep him,” FBI Boston Special Agent in Charge Ted Docks said.

According to a December plea agreement, Pires faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison, a fine of $250,000, and five years of supervised release. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 18.

Authorities say that Pires hatched the plan while his co-defendant Elijah Melton was awaiting trial at the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility in Rhode Island. The case against Melton, who was indicted on more charges than Pires, remains pending, according to records.

The plea agreement stipulates that Pires, an associate of Melton, agreed to meet with and work with a hired hitman tasked with killing a witness in a Massachusetts federal narcotics trafficking case the pair believed to be an informant.

“Pires agreed to provide information to the hired gunman about the informant and two other individuals that owed money to Melton,” the document states.

Incident Summary

BPD responded to 259 incidents in the 24-hour period ending at 10 a.m. Friday, according to the department’s incident log. Those included eight aggravated assaults, one commercial burglary, one residential burglary, one stolen vehicle, and 12 incidents of miscellaneous larceny.

Arrests

All of the below-named defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

— Derek Berdecia Marrero, 104 Roanoke Road, Hyde Park. Number plat violation to conceal identity.

— Thorise Crawford, 52 White St. East Boston. Assault and battery on a person 60 years or older or disabled causing injury.

— Samuel Shimanovich, 37 Nottinghill Road, Brighton. Assault with a dangerous weapon.

— Angel Marrero, 123 Shirley Ave., Revere. Possession of Class B drugs.

— Adam Derebala, 61 Vinal St., Revere. Shoplifting.

— Jean Jean, 26 Kingman Ave., Brockton. Criminal operation of a motor vehicle with suspended license.

— Christopher Hicks, 36 Laurel St., Whitman. Possession of Class B drugs with intent to distribute.

— Richard Knox, 44 Collins St., Lynn. External warrant arrest.

— Kevin Velez Castaneda, 68 Central Ave., Revere. Operating an unregistered motor vehicle.

— Julian Valencia, 30 Cushman Ave., Revere. Unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.

— Wayne Peabody, 140 Clarendon St., Boston. Assault with a dangerous weapon.

— Selamawit Stefanos, 134 Northampton St., Roxbury. Unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.