Springfield Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine Distribution

BOSTON – Stephen Tavernier, 27, of Springfield, pleaded guilty yesterday to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute cocaine, and distribution of cocaine.  U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman scheduled sentencing for June 29, 2015.

On Aug. 6, 2013, Tavernier sold cocaine to an undercover federal agent on Main Street in Springfield, just yards from the state courthouse.  Tavernier also admitted that, during the transaction, he removed a bag of crack cocaine from his mouth and handed it to the agent.  The drug purchase was captured on video. 

The charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine provides a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, 3-5 years of supervised release, and a fine of $1 million.  The charge of distribution of cocaine provides a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, 3-5 years of supervised release, and a fine of $1 million.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.  Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. 

United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz and Daniel J. Kumor, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division, made the announcement.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deepika Bains Shukla of Ortiz’s Springfield Branch Office.