BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for trafficking fentanyl, heroin and cocaine.
Adriano Cortez, a/k/a, “A,” 28, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to 121 months in prison and four years of supervised release. On Oct. 29, 2021, Cortez was convicted by a federal jury 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.
In March 2015, Cortez was observed conducting a street-level drug deal in Weymouth. Law enforcement subsequently attempted to pull over Cortez’s vehicle, but he refused to stop his and instead, fled on foot, leaving the car at an intersection while still in the drive position, causing it to crash. Cortez was ultimately apprehended at which time he was found carrying numerous drugs including over 47 grams of cocaine, approximately 70 grams of heroin and approximately 73 grams of a fentanyl and heroin mixture. Cortez was arrested on state charges 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. He informed undercover officers of the meeting location and payment amount for each drug sale and used couriers to deliver cocaine or fentanyl, or both, to the undercover officers. The couriers returned the cash proceeds to Cortez at his home after the deals.
On or about Nov. 21, 2017, Cortez cut off his court-ordered GPS monitor and fled Massachusetts. He was ultimately apprehended by law enforcement in Colorado.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division; 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 Rollins’ Criminal Division prosecuted the case.