In a recent case in Androscoggin County, an Auburn man named Zachery Paradis, also known as “Pee Wee,” was sentenced to over four years in prison for his involvement in trafficking fentanyl and cocaine. U.S. District Judge Nancy Torresen handed down the sentence, which includes three years of supervised release following Paradis’ incarceration. The charges stem from a controlled buy conducted by the FBI in March 2022, during which Paradis not only sold 10 grams of fentanyl but also boasted about his involvement in various additional crimes. This is not the first time Paradis has been convicted, as he already has a history of criminal activity, including previous federal firearms offenses. Collaborative efforts from the FBI’s Southern Maine Gang Task Force, the DEA, and local police departments aided in the successful investigation and prosecution of Paradis.
Career Criminal Sentenced to 4+ Years in Prison for Fentanyl, Cocaine Trafficking in Androscoggin County
Introduction
In a recent case in Androscoggin County, a career criminal named Zachery Paradis, also known as “Pee Wee,” was sentenced to over four years in prison for trafficking fentanyl and cocaine. The sentencing was carried out by U.S. District Judge Nancy Torresen in Portland, Maine. This article will provide an overview of the case, detailing Paradis’ involvement and previous convictions. Additionally, it will discuss the sentencing details, including the length of his prison sentence and supervised release. The article will also touch on the controlled buy that led to Paradis’ arrest, as well as the law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation.
Background
Overview of the case
The case against Zachery Paradis involved the trafficking of both fentanyl and cocaine base in Androscoggin County. Paradis, a resident of Auburn, Maine, pleaded guilty to the charges on December 1, 2022. As per court records, the FBI conducted a controlled buy of narcotics from Paradis in March 2022. During this buy, Paradis sold 10 grams of fentanyl to an undercover agent. The exchange was captured on video and audio recording, during which Paradis also confessed to being involved in a shooting in Lewiston in 2021. A second controlled buy took place in April 2022, during which approximately 12.8 grams of cocaine base were purchased from Paradis.
Involvement of Zachery Paradis
Zachery Paradis, also known as “Pee Wee,” played a central role in the drug trafficking activities in Androscoggin County. He was responsible for the distribution of both fentanyl and cocaine base. Paradis’ involvement in the criminal activities was confirmed through the controlled buys conducted by law enforcement agencies.
Previous convictions of Zachery Paradis
Paradis is a career criminal with a history of criminal convictions. As an adult, he has at least ten convictions, including two past federal convictions for firearms offenses. These previous convictions contribute to the severity of his sentence.
Sentencing
Court details
Zachery Paradis was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Portland, Maine, by Judge Nancy Torresen. The court proceedings took place on the designated date.
Length of prison sentence
Paradis was sentenced to 51 months, or over four years, in prison for the charges of fentanyl and cocaine trafficking. The length of the sentence reflects the severity of his offenses and his status as a career criminal.
Supervised release
Following the completion of his prison sentence, Paradis will be subject to three years of supervised release. During this time, he will be closely monitored to ensure compliance with the terms and conditions set by the court.
Controlled Buy
Details of the buy
The FBI conducted two controlled buys as part of their investigation into Zachery Paradis’ drug trafficking activities. The first buy took place in March 2022, during which Paradis sold 10 grams of fentanyl to an undercover agent. The second buy occurred in April 2022 and involved the purchase of approximately 12.8 grams of cocaine base from Paradis.
Quantities and types of drugs purchased
During the controlled buys, law enforcement agents purchased a total of 10 grams of fentanyl and approximately 12.8 grams of cocaine base from Paradis. These quantities demonstrate his involvement in the distribution of these dangerous drugs.
Recordings of the exchange
Both controlled buys were captured on video and audio recordings. These recordings serve as crucial evidence against Paradis, as they contain his statements admitting to not only drug trafficking but also his involvement in a 2021 shooting in Lewiston. The recordings provide concrete proof of his criminal activities.
Law Enforcement Agencies
FBI’s Southern Maine Gang Task Force
The FBI’s Southern Maine Gang Task Force played a significant role in the investigation of Zachery Paradis’ drug trafficking activities. The task force, comprised of experienced agents, worked alongside other law enforcement agencies to bring Paradis to justice.
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was involved in the investigation of Paradis’ case. The DEA brings its expertise and resources to combat drug trafficking at the federal level, collaborating with local law enforcement agencies to dismantle drug operations.
Lewiston Police Department
The Lewiston Police Department contributed to the investigation of Paradis’ criminal activities. Their involvement demonstrates the collaborative efforts of local law enforcement agencies in combating drug trafficking within their communities.
Auburn Police Department
The Auburn Police Department played a crucial role in the investigation of Zachery Paradis’ drug trafficking activities. Their collaboration with other law enforcement agencies helped gather evidence and build a strong case against Paradis.
Contact Information
For more information about the case or to inquire further, interested parties can contact Noah Falk, Assistant United States Attorney at (207-780-3257).
Related Content
To learn more about drug trafficking cases in Maine, interested individuals can refer to the following press releases:
- Maine Woman Faces Prison After Trading Use of Her Avon Residence to Traffickers for Drugs
- Penobscot County Man Sentenced to 13+ Years for Role in Penobscot and Aroostook County Drug Trafficking
- Former Aroostook County Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Role in Penobscot and Aroostook County Drug Trafficking
Address
For further assistance or inquiries, individuals can reach out to the U.S. Attorney’s Office at the following addresses:
- 100 Middle St., 6th Floor East Portland, ME 04101
- 202 Harlow St., Room 111 Bangor, ME 04401
Conclusion
The sentencing of Zachery Paradis to over four years in prison for fentanyl and cocaine trafficking in Androscoggin County serves as a reminder of the consequences that career criminals face for their actions. The controlled buys conducted by law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI’s Southern Maine Gang Task Force and the assistance of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Lewiston Police Department, and Auburn Police Department, were crucial in building a strong case against Paradis. This successful prosecution sends a clear message that drug trafficking will not be tolerated in Maine, and those who engage in such activities will be held accountable.