Lawrence Man Charged With Fentanyl Trafficking

BOSTON – A Lawrence man was charged Wednesday, April 10, 2019, in federal court in Boston in connection with drug trafficking activities involving fentanyl.

Robinson Guzman, 38, was indicted on three counts of distribution of, and possession with intent to distribute, fentanyl; one count of distribution of, and possession with intent to distribute, more than 40 grams of fentanyl; and one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl. Guzman was previously charged by criminal complaint and arrested on March 19, 2019. He has been in custody since.

According to court documents, between November 2018 and March 2019, prior to his arrest, Guzman engaged in 10 separate drug sales of fentanyl powder and pills, containing either Oxycodone or fentanyl, to an undercover law enforcement agent.

The charges of distribution of, and possession with intent to distribute, fentanyl each provide for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, a minimum of three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million; the charges involving more than 40 grams of fentanyl carry a mandatory minimum sentence 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. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division, made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Methuen, Lawrence, and Melrose Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen W. Hassink of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.

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