Stoughton Man Charged with Distributing Fentanyl

BOSTON – A Stoughton man was indicted today in federal court in Boston for distributing fentanyl and crack cocaine.

Matthew Pizarro, 30, was indicted on one count of distribution of fentanyl, one count of distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and one count of possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine. Pizarro was arrested in August 2018 on a criminal complaint and has been in custody since.

According to court documents, on July 30, 2018, Pizarro sold an undercover agent approximately 20 grams of fentanyl in exchange for $940. A few days later, Pizarro followed up with the undercover agent about purchasing more drugs. On Aug. 7, 2018, Pizarro sold the undercover agent 70 grams of fentanyl for $2,500. After the exchange, law enforcement arrested Pizarro.

The charges of distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine provide for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, a mandatory minimum of four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $5 million. According to court documents, Pizarro has a prior drug conviction; therefore, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least eight years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $8 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; Sean Smith, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, Northeast Field Office; and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Ferguson 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.