Lawrence Man Convicted of Participating in a Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl

            CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that on Friday, May 10, 2019, a federal jury found Santo Benito Lara, 46, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, guilty of participating in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.         

            Evidence presented during the four-day trial showed that beginning at least in May of 2018, the defendant participated in a conspiracy to sell fentanyl to a customer in Salem, New Hampshire.  After the DEA received information about the conspiracy, it began an investigation into the Lara's activities.  Between May and September of 2018, Lara and another individual sold fentanyl in Lawrence to a cooperating individual on multiple occasions.

            Lara is scheduled to be sentenced on August 27, 2019.

            “I am grateful for the jury’s verdict in this case,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “This prosecution highlights ongoing cooperative efforts by law enforcement in New Hampshire and Massachusetts to identify and prosecute those responsible for the interstate distribution of fentanyl and other lethal drugs.  We will continue to work in conjunction with all of our law enforcement partners to stop the flow of fentanyl into the Granite State.”

            “Fentanyl is causing tremendous damage to the Granite State,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “Let this verdict be a warning to those traffickers who are coming from out of state to distribute this poison in order to profit and destroy people’s lives.  DEA’s top priority is combatting the opioid epidemic by working with our local, county, state and federal partners to bring to justice anyone who distributes this deadly drug.”

            This matter was investigated by the DEA, with assistance from the New Hampshire State Police and the Essex County (MA) Sheriff’s Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anna Dronzek and Jarad Hodes.         

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