Dominican National Indicted for Distributing Fentanyl and Heroin

BOSTON – A Dominican national residing in Lawrence appeared in federal court in Boston today for distributing a mixture of fentanyl and heroin. 

Jonathan Martinez, 34, was indicted for distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 100 grams or more of heroin. 

On Aug. 2, 2018, during a joint federal and state law enforcement operation, investigators seized 150 grams of a mixture suspected to contain a mixture of fentanyl and heroin from Martinez in Lawrence.     

The charge of distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 100 grams or more of heroin carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years and up to 40 years in prison, a minimum of four years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $5 million. Martinez will be subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew Lelling; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division; Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey; and Colonel Kerry Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip C. Cheng of Lelling’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.