Dominican national pleads guilty to fentanyl trafficking

BOSTON, MASS – A Dominican man previously residing in Lawrence pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston in connection with drug trafficking activities involving fentanyl.

Cecilio Guzman, 28, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for March 12, 2021. Guzman was charged by complaint and arrested by state authorities on Nov. 20, 2019. He is currently in federal custody.

Guzman arranged to sell 120 grams of fentanyl to a cooperating witness for the government. On Nov. 20, 2019, Guzman met with the witness in Lawrence, sold him the fentanyl, and was subsequently arrested.

The charge of distribution and possession with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division made the announcement today. The investigation was conducted with the assistance of the Andover, Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell and Wilmington Police Departments. Special assistance was provided by the Essex District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Hassink of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.

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