New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
A Dominican national pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to drug trafficking activities involving fentanyl and oxycodone.
Jose Guerrero, 29, pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and oxycodone, three counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for Jan. 19, 2022.
Between June and August 2020, Guerrero sold fentanyl and oxycodone powder and pills on five occasions to an undercover law enforcement officer in Lawrence, and was arrested after making the fifth sale. A subsequent search of Guerrero’s residence resulted in the seizure of an additional 830 grams of fentanyl.
The charges of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and oxycodone provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charges of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl provide for a sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. The charge of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Office, made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Lawrence Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen W. Hassink of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
