Rochester Woman Pleads Guilty to Assisting in Fentanyl Transaction

            CONCORD - Tasha Loaiza, 25, of Rochester, pleaded guilty in federal court to aiding and abetting the distribution of fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 17, 2018, Loaiza met with a cooperating individual, and directed the individual to an address in Manchester, New Hampshire. There, Loaiza introduced the cooperating individual to a third person, from whom the individual bought a quantity of fentanyl.      

            Loaiza is scheduled to be sentenced on February 13, 2019.

            “Fentanyl trafficking is a complex criminal activity that often involves many individuals,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Those who participate in the distribution of this deadly drug will be held accountable for their conduct.  In order to maintain public safety and the quality of life in New Hampshire, we will work with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who are responsible for selling fentanyl and other deadly opioids.” 

            “This case shows the seriousness the FBI places on the upward trend of opioid addiction here in New Hampshire. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify, investigate, and arrest those responsible for illegally distributing synthetic opioids in our neighborhoods at the expense of the law-abiding people who live in them,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston Division.

            This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Dronzek.