Methuen Man Pleads Guilty To Role In Drug Trafficking Conspiracy Involving Fentanyl, Fentanyl Analog And Cocaine
Defendant sold narcotics to undercover law enforcement six times
BOSTON – A Methuen man has pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy charges involving distribution of fentanyl, fentanyl analog and cocaine.
Daniel Lopez-Gonzalez, 28, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, involving 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 100 grams or more of fentanyl analog. U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV scheduled sentencing for June 10, 2024. Lopez-Gonzalez was indicted in April 2023 along with Erickson Castro Perez and Gustavo Adolfo Reyes Gonzalez.
Between June 2022 and January 2023, Lopez-Gonzalez and his alleged co-conspirators sold fentanyl and fentanyl analog to undercover law enforcement on six separate occasions in Haverhill and Boxford. During a search of a Haverhill-based stash location used by Lopez-Gonzalez and his alleged co-conspirators on Jan. 23, 2023, resulted in the seizure of additional quantities of fentanyl, fentanyl analog, cocaine and other narcotics. Additionally, an illegal firearm, ammunition, more than $35,000 in U.S. currency and two high-end watches were also seized from Lopez-Gonzalez home.
In total, approximately 2.5 kilograms of fentanyl or fentanyl analog was seized over the course of the investigation.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, involving 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 100 grams or more of fentanyl analog, provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel R. Feldman of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit 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.
