Brockton Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Cocaine and Crack Cocaine Trafficking

BOSTON – A Brockton man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston on drug trafficking charges.

Luis Rivera, a/k/a “Fat Louie,” 35, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Patti B. Saris to 10 years in prison, five years of supervised release and ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.  In November 2017, Rivera pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base, also known as crack cocaine.  

During an investigation into a network of street gangs trafficking illegal firearms and drugs, investigators identified Rivera as a Brockton-based source of supply for cocaine and cocaine base for numerous street-level drug dealers in Brockton and other communities.  

From January to April 2016, a cooperating witness purchased significant amounts of both cocaine and crack cocaine from Rivera.  Rivera operated his robust drug trafficking business from various residential and business locations in Brockton, including a residence at 103 Green Street, and conspired with numerous other individuals, including members/associates of the Boylston Street Gang, to distribute drugs.

Rivera is one of 53 defendants indicted in June 2016 on federal firearms and drug charges following an investigation into a network of street gangs that created alliances to traffic weapons and drugs throughout Massachusetts and to generate violence against rival gang members. According to court documents, the defendants, who are leaders, members, and associates of the 18th Street Gang, East Side Money Gang and the Boylston Street Gang, were responsible for fueling a gun and drug pipeline across a number of cities and towns in eastern Massachusetts. During the course of the investigation, over 70 firearms were seized.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Mickey D. Leadingham, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Peter Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; John Gibbons, U.S. Marshal for the District of Massachusetts; Maura Healey, Attorney General of Massachusetts; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Boston Police Commissioner William Evans; Chelsea Police Chief Brian Kyes; and Brockton Police Chief John Crowley made the announcement today.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office also acknowledges the assistance of the Suffolk and Middlesex County Sheriff Departments and the Malden, Revere and Everett Police Departments.