News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 25, 2003

Lowell Couple Sentenced on Federal Drug Charges

Lowell, MA…A Lowell husband and wife were sentenced last week for their role in a crack cocaine conspiracy and distributions of large amounts of crack cocaine within the Flanagan Public Housing Development in Lowell, Massachusetts.

Mark R. Trouville, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; and Edward F. Davis, Chief of the Lowell Police Department, announced that Chief U.S. District Judge William G. Young last week sentenced LUIS FELIZ, age 38, and his wife, MARIA FELIZ, age 28, both formerly residing at 1129 Middlesex St, Apt 4, Lowell, Massachusetts. LUIS FELIZ was convicted by a federal jury following a weeklong trial last December. MARIA FEKLIZ had pleaded guilty to charges the first day of trial.

Evidence presented during the trial demonstrated that LUIS FELIZ produced large amounts of crack cocaine in his home and his wife would then make deliveries in and around the Lowell area.

At her sentencing hearing on March 18, 2003, MARIA FELIZ apologized to the Court and admitted making mistakes. Judge Young stated that it was unfortunately too late, and described to her the horrible effects of crack cocaine on people and on crack babies. Judge Young then sentenced MARIA FELIZ to 8 years imprisonment to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. MARIA FELIZ was originally arrested on June 14, 2002 and released on bond, following her plea, she was taken back into custody on January 16, 2003 and has remained there since that time.

At his sentencing hearing on March 20, 2003, MARIA FELIZ engaged in a lengthy outburst, blaming his wife, the police, his lawyers, and another co-defendant pending trial for his predicament. Judge Young, stated that LUIS FELIZ was in serious "denial" and sentenced him to 15 years imprisonment to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Pursuant to federal law, LUIS FELIZ faced a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years. LUIS FELIZ has been in custody since his arrest on June 14, 2002. Additionally, LUIS FELIZ faces possible deportation to his native Dominican Republic upon completion of his prison sentence.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Lowell Police Department.

Contact: Anthony J. Pettigrew 617-557-2138