Boston Man Arrested for Distributing Methamphetamine

BOSTON – A Boston man was arrested yesterday on charges of methamphetamine distribution.

Joshua Westbrook, 25, was indicted on one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Westbrook was detained following an initial appearance today before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Judith G. Dein.

According to the indictment, on or about Nov. 9, 2021, Westbrook distributed 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in Dorchester.

The charge of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life years in prison, at least 5 years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $10 million.  Sentences are imposed by  federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The operation was conducted is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. More information on the OCDETF program is available here: https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf/about-ocdetf.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the United States Postal Service; Plymouth County and Norfolk County Sheriff's Offices; Massachusetts State Police; and the Portland (Maine), Watertown, Waltham, Concord, Reading, Peabody and Hudson Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alathea Porter of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case. 

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