Methuen Man and Dominican National Charged with Fentanyl Conspiracy

BOSTON – A Methuen man and a Dominican national were indicted today in federal court in Boston in connection with a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy. 

Carlos Torres, 26, of Methuen, was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Carlos Rodriguez, 19, a Dominican national, residing in Lawrence, was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Both men were arrested on April 19, 2018, and charged in a criminal complaint.

According to court documents, on April 19, 2018, investigators received information that Rodriguez would be delivering fentanyl in the Lawrence area. After stopping Rodriguez, investigators seized approximately 150 grams of fentanyl from him. Pursuant to a search warrant at Torres’ residence, investigators seized approximately 700 grams of fentanyl, a firearm and ammunition.

The charge of conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a minimum mandatory sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $5 million. The charge of conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least 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’s New England Division; Andover Police Chief Patrick Keefe; Lawrence Police Chief Roy Vasque; and Methuen Police Chief Joe 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.