Rochester Woman Sentenced to 21 Months in Prison for Assisting in Fentanyl Transaction

     CONCORD - Tasha Loaiza, 25, of Rochester, was sentenced to 21 months in prison for 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 previously pleaded guilty on November 5, 2018.

            “Fentanyl traffickers distribute a lethal substance that endangers the health and safety of all of our citizens” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “The FBI has done an excellent job of advancing efforts to combat this menace.  We will continue to coordinate with FBI agents and all of our law enforcement partners to stop the flow of illegal drugs.”

            “Fentanyl is the #1 cause of drug-related deaths in New Hampshire, and the FBI will continue to use every resource available to identify individuals  like Ms. Loaiza who are contributing to the opioid crisis by facilitating the sale of this deadly drug,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the 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.