Ruben Mejia, Fentanyl Trafficking, Massachusetts 2020

Defendant Pleads Guilty to Distributing Fentanyl Pills

BOSTON – A Lawrence man’s reign of terror has come to an end as Ruben Mejia, 28, pleaded guilty to distributing fentanyl pills in Massachusetts. The guilty plea was made in federal court in Boston and marks a significant blow to the opioid epidemic gripping the nation.

According to court documents, Mejia sold an estimated 500 fentanyl pills disguised as oxycodone pills for $4,000 ($8 per pill) on Aug. 13, 2020. Mejia stored the pills in a baby diaper, a brazen tactic that left many wondering about the depths of his operation. The pills were sold in five bags containing approximately 100 pills each.

Just 13 days later, on Aug. 26, 2020, Mejia sold another estimated 500 fentanyl pills for $4,000. Mejia was arrested on Sept. 11, 2020, after he was found in possession of an estimated 5,000 fentanyl pills, which he planned to sell for $40,000.

The charges against Mejia are severe, carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to life of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million. Mejia also faces charges of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl and heroin, which carry a sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years and up to life of supervised release, and a fine of up to $5 million.

The charge of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and heroin provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to life 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 other statutory factors.

U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for Jan. 12, 2022. Mejia was arrested and charged in September 2020. Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell, Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division, and Lawrence Police Chief Roy Vasque made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Estes of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.

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