Dominican National Charged with Fentanyl Trafficking

 BOSTON – A Dominican national was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury in Boston in connection with drug trafficking activities involving fentanyl and cocaine. 

Jose Guerrero, 28, was indicted on 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. Guerrero was previously charged by criminal complaint and arrested on Aug. 26, 2020. He has been in federal custody since his arrest. 

According to charging documents, Guerrero made five separate sales of fentanyl and oxycodone powder and pills to an undercover law enforcement officer between June and August 2020 in the Saratoga Street area of Lawrence. Shortly after making his fifth sale to the undercover officer, Guerrero was arrested.

The charges of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and oxycodone carry 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 carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 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 carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 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.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England Field Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Lawrence Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen W. Hassink of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.