BOSTON, MASS – A Lawrence man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to distributing heroin and possessing oxycodone in 2019.
William Cabrera, 32, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute heroin and one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin and oxycodone. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for July 23, 2021.
On June 27, 2019, Cabrera was arrested after selling 10 grams of heroin. During a search of his residence, law enforcement recovered additional heroin, oxycodone, drug paraphernalia, a firearm and over $16,000 in cash.
In Sept. 2019, Cabrera was indicted as part of a coordinated enforcement operation in the Merrimack Valley dubbed “Devil’s Highway.” The operation targeted the distribution of opioids, including fentanyl and heroin, and resulted in charges against a total of 40 people for federal drug offenses, with at least a dozen more individuals facing state charges.
The charges of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute heroin and possession with intent to distribute heroin and oxycodone each carry a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathanial R. Mendell and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Massachusetts State Police, the Lawrence Police Department and the North Andover Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Eve A. Piemonte of Mendell’s office is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.