BOSTON – A Boston man was convicted by a federal jury on Friday, Oct. 29, 2021 in connection with possessing and conspiring to distribute drugs including fentanyl, heroin and cocaine.
Adriano Cortez, a/k/a, “A,” 27, was convicted following a week-long trial of one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and cocaine and one count of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, 40 grams or more of fentanyl and cocaine. U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV scheduled sentencing for March 3, 2022. Cortez was charged in a superseding indictment in October 2020.
In March 2015, Cortez was observed conducting what appeared to be a street-level drug deal in Weymouth. When he was approached by police, Cortez fled from his vehicle and a foot pursuit ensued. Cortez was subsequently apprehended at which time he was found carrying multiple drugs including mixtures and substances containing more than 40 grams of fentanyl, more than 100 grams of heroin and cocaine. Cortez was arrested and placed on court-ordered location monitoring and later home detention in connection with this conduct.
Between September and November 2017, while still on court-ordered location monitoring and home detention, Cortez orchestrated approximately 10 drug deals with undercover officers. During this conspiracy, Cortez managed all aspects of the drug operation from his Dorchester residence. Cortez informed undercover officers of the meeting location and payment amount for each drug deal and dispatched numerous associates to meet with the undercover officers to deliver cocaine or fentanyl, or both. The associates then returned the cash proceeds back to Cortez at his home.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and cocaine provides for a sentence of up to 40 years in prison, up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. The charge of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, 40 grams or more of fentanyl and cocaine provides for a sentence of up to 40 years in prison, up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel Mendell; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms & Explosives; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of Drug Enforcement Administration; Boston Police Acting Commissioner Gregory Long; and Weymouth Police Chief Richard Fuller made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah B. Hoefle and John T. Mulcahy of Mendell’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
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