BOSTON – Three Dominican nationals living in Lawrence were indicted today by a federal grand jury in a four-count indictment.
Francis Jimenez Minyetty, 38, Enmanuel Brioso Fabal, 29, and Nieves Guzman, 32, were indicted for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. The defendants were charged by criminal complaint and arrested on Nov. 2, 2019.
According to court documents, investigators conducted two controlled purchases of suspected fentanyl from Brioso Fabal and Jimenez Minyetty: approximately 500 suspected fentanyl pills on Aug. 5, 2019, and approximately 55 grams of suspected fentanyl powder on Sept. 26, 2019.
On Nov. 2, 2019, investigators executed a search warrant at a suspected stash house in Lawrence associated with this drug organization and encountered Guzman, who had a kilogram brick of fentanyl in her purse. At the stash house, investigators also located various drug distribution paraphernalia, including a mixing bowl containing suspected fentanyl, sifters and blenders.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl —applicable to Brioso Fabal and Jimenez Minyetty—carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least 4 years of supervised release and a fine of $5 million.
The charges of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl—applicable to Guzman— carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of $10 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on 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 Field Division made the announcement today. The case is being prosecuted by Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.