Lawrence Man and Dominican National Indicted for Fentanyl Conspiracy

BOSTON – A Lawrence man and a Dominican national were charged today in federal court in Boston with fentanyl conspiracy. 

Antonio Rivera, 28, of Lawrence, and Deuris Sierra, 24, a Dominican national most recently residing in Lawrence, were each indicted on one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and distribution of fentanyl. Both defendants are currently in state custody.

From at least May 16, 2018, through June 7, 2018, Rivera distributed fentanyl in Lawrence and Methuen. During a law enforcement operation, investigators seized five kilograms of fentanyl from the defendants.    

The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl carries a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, a minimum of five years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $10 million. 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; Colonel Kerry Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Methuen Police Chief Joseph Solomon 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 defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.