Springfield Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Cocaine and Heroin Charges

BOSTON – A Springfield man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Worcester in connection with distributing cocaine and heroin. 

Rafael Dominguez, 42, pleaded guilty to four counts of distribution of cocaine, one count of distribution of heroin and one count of possession with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of cocaine.  U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman scheduled sentencing for September 12, 2016.

On five occasions from June to December in 2013, Dominguez distributed cocaine or heroin to an individual cooperating with federal agents.  Dominguez’s distribution was caught on video and audio tape.  Dominguez was then found with nearly 3 kilograms of cocaine.   At his plea hearing, Dominguez admitted that he was responsible for distributing between 50 and 150 kilograms of cocaine and between 40 and 60 grams of heroin. 

The charges of distribution of cocaine and heroin each provide for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, a minimum of three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $1 million.  The charge of possession with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of cocaine provides for a sentence of at least five years and no greater than 40 years in prison, a minimum of four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $5 million.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.  Sentences are imposed based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.  

United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz; Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division; and Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division made the announcement today.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deepika Bains Shukla of Ortiz’s Springfield Branch Office.