BOSTON – Two men have been charged in federal court in
Boston in a superseding indictment with Social Security fraud and aggravated
identity theft in connection with their roles in a fentanyl conspiracy in
Revere.
John Doe, a/k/a “Cali,” of Revere, whose true identity and
age are unknown, was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and to
possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl; three counts
of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of
fentanyl; five counts of distribution of and possession with intent to
distribute fentanyl; one count of false representation of a Social Security
number; and one count of aggravated identity theft.
Sandy Alejandro Reynoso Cruz, 48, who resided most recently
in Waterbury, Conn., and is believed to be a citizen of the Dominican Republic,
was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with
intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl; one count of distribution of
and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl; one
count of false representation of a Social Security number; and one count of
aggravated identity theft.
Both men were arrested on Aug. 28, 2018, and initially charged
by complaint, which alleged that between May and August 2018, Doe made six
sales of fentanyl to a cooperating witness in Revere, where Doe lived. The
complaint further alleged that Cruz was Doe’s supplier.
According to the superseding indictment, both men used
stolen identities and Social Security numbers when applying for Massachusetts
driver’s licenses in 2017.
For Doe, the charge of conspiracy provides for a mandatory
minimum sentence of 15 years and up to life in prison, a minimum of 10 years
and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $20 million. For
each of the three counts that allege distribution of 40 grams or more of
fentanyl, Doe faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in
prison, a minimum of eight years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and
a fine of up to $8 million. For each of
the five counts of fentanyl distribution that do not specify a quantity of
fentanyl, Doe faces up to 30 years in prison, a minimum of six years and up to
a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $2 million.
For Cruz, the charge of conspiracy and the one count of fentanyl
distribution with which he is charged both provide for a mandatory minimum
sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, a minimum of four years
and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million.
False representation of a Social Security number provides
for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, up to three years of
supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gross gain or
loss resulting from the offense, whichever is greater. The charge of aggravated
identity theft carries a mandatory two-years in prison, which must run
consecutively to any other sentence imposed, up to three years of supervised
release and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss resulting
from the offense, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal
district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other
statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Joseph R.
Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation,
Boston Field Division, made the announcement. The Massachusetts Department of
Correction; Norfolk Sheriff’s Office, Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office; the
Reading, Watertown, Braintree, Peabody, Waltham, Woburn, and Revere Police Departments;
and the Waterbury (Conn.) Police Department assisted with the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian A. Pérez‑Daple of Lelling’s Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are
allegations. The defendants remain innocent until proven guilty beyond a
reasonable doubt.
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