Lawrence Man Sentenced to 52 Months for Participating in a Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl

            CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Geudin Nivar Baez, a/k/a/ Jhonatan Mateo, 31, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, was sentenced yesterday to 52 months in federal prison for participating in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.         

            According to court documents and statements make in court, in May of 2018, Nivar Baez’s co-defendant Santo Benito Lara 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 Lara’s activities.  Between May and September of 2018, Nivar Baez and Lara sold fentanyl in Lawrence to a cooperating individual on multiple occasions.

            Lara was found guilty by a jury on May 10, 2019 and is awaiting sentencing. Nivar Baez previously pleaded guilty on May 15, 2019.

            Nivar faces possible removal to the Dominican Republic after the completion of his prison sentence.

            “Interstate fentanyl trafficking is damaging communities in New Hampshire every day,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “In order to protect the health and safety of our citizens, we will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate those who are selling illegal drugs in the Granite State.  This prison sentence demonstrates the severe consequences for drug dealers who choose to introduce lethal fentanyl into our state.”

          “Opioid abuse are at epidemic levels in New Hampshire and across New England,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “DEA is committed to aggressively pursue Drug Trafficking Organizations and individuals like Mr. Navar Baez who are coming from out of state to distribute fentanyl, in order to profit and destroy people’s lives.  This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative local, state and federal law enforcement efforts in New Hampshire.”         

            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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