Saugus Man Sentenced for Role in Lawrence-Based Heroin/Fentanyl Trafficking Scheme

BOSTON – A Saugus man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for his role in a heroin trafficking scheme operating in and around Lawrence.

Edwin Soto, 46, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to four years in prison, six years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $99,200 in forfeiture. In October 2017, Soto pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of a controlled substance – heroin and fentanyl.

From about April 2015 to March 2016, law enforcement investigated the drug distribution activities of Ramon Baez and his associates in and around the City of Lawrence. Baez obtained kilograms of heroin and cocaine from local suppliers and suppliers based in Mexico.  Baez’s co-conspirator, Jose A. Rosario, supplied Baez with heroin, which Baez then repackaged for distribution.

Soto and co-defendant Waner Manuel Lara purchased heroin and fentanyl from Baez. On Dec. 29, 2015, law enforcement officers seized $99,200 in drug proceeds from Soto, intended for Baez.  On March 19, 2016, agents seized from Lara 140 grams of heroin and fentanyl supplied to him by Baez.

Baez was sentenced in June 2017 to 121 months in prison, and Rosario was sentenced in September 2017 to 22 months in prison. Lara pleaded guilty in October 2017 and is awaiting a sentencing date.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division, made the announcement today.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Ferguson of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the cases.