Webster Man Charged With Distributing Crack

BOSTON – A Webster man was charged yesterday for selling crack cocaine to a cooperating witness.

Anthony Cruz, 27, was charged in a criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and distribution of crack cocaine.

The complaint alleges that on January 23, 2012, and again on February 3, 2012, Cruz sold 35 grams of crack cocaine to a cooperating witness in Webster. On July 17, 2013, Cruz agreed to sell the cooperating witness another 40 grams of crack cocaine. On the day of the deal, Cruz arranged the transaction and another individual, working with Cruz, distributed a controlled substance to the cooperating witness. Preliminary tests indicated that the substance tested positive for cocaine. Cruz was arrested on September 20, 2013 after distributing approximately 150 grams of a substance purported to be crack cocaine to the cooperating witness.

If convicted, Cruz faces a minimum mandatory sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, a minimum of four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a $5 million fine.

United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz; John J. Arvanitis, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division; Daniel J. Kumor, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Chief Timothy J. Bent of the Webster Police Department, made the announcement today. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karin M. Bell of Ortiz’s Worcester Branch Office.

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