Worcester Man and Dominican National Indicted For Distributing Fentanyl and Heroin

BOSTON – A Worcester man and a Dominican national were charged today in federal court in Worcester for distributing fentanyl and heroin.

Albeiro Gomez, 54, of Worcester, and Erotides Mendez, 50, a Dominican national previously residing in New York City, were indicted on one count of conspiring to distribute heroin and more than 40 grams of heroin and one count of distributing heroin and more than 40 grams of fentanyl. Gomez was also charged with one count of distributing heroin and fentanyl and one count of possessing cocaine with intent to distribute. Mendez was also charged with one count of possessing heroin and more than 40 grams of fentanyl with intent to distribute. Gomez and Mendez were each arrested in December 2018. Mendez has remained in custody since that time.

According to court documents, Gomez distributed heroin and fentanyl in and around Worcester and obtained the drugs from various sources, including an individual residing in New York City. Mendez was actively involved in the acquisition, transportation, and distribution of heroin and fentanyl in and around New York City and Worcester. 

The charges involving more than 40 grams of fentanyl provide for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, a minimum of four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of $5 million. Each additional drug charge provides 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 up to $1 million. Mendez will be subject to deportation proceedings upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on 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 Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office and the Massachusetts State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bill Abely and John Mulcahy of Lelling’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.

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