A Lawrence man, Bronin Martin Gonzalez Arias, also known as Rafael Omar Arias-Rodriguez, 37, was sentenced to 18 months in prison and three years of supervised release for his role in a widespread fentanyl trafficking organization. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Court Judge Douglas Woodlock in federal court in Boston.
Gonzalez Arias pleaded guilty in April 2018 to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl. He was arrested and charged along with Juan Anibal Patrone, the alleged leader of the organization, and approximately 30 co-conspirators in a federal drug sweep on May 30, 2017.
Gonzalez Arias was a redistributor for Patrone’s organization and distributed between 160-280 grams of fentanyl during his time on the street. When first charged, Gonzalez Arias falsely identified himself as Rafael Omar Arias-Rodriguez and claimed to be a United States citizen in his detention hearing before the Court; in fact, he is Dominican, and in the country illegally.
Patrone, who pleaded not guilty, is scheduled to stand trial on Oct. 29, 2018. The government initially asked for a sentence of 57 months in prison for Gonzalez Arias, but the judge ultimately sentenced him to 18 months. Gonzalez Arias will be subject to deportation proceedings.
The case was announced by United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling, Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division, Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, Essex County District Attorney Jonathan W. Blodgett, Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, and Lawrence Police Chief James Fitzpatrick. Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan Winkler of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the cases.
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. The case is a reminder of the ongoing threat of fentanyl trafficking in Massachusetts and the need for continued vigilance by law enforcement and the community to combat this deadly crime.
The investigation was a collaborative effort by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, highlighting the importance of interagency cooperation in combating organized crime. As the Grimy Times continues to investigate and report on these cases, we remain committed to shedding light on the dark corners of crime in Massachusetts and holding those responsible accountable for their actions.
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- Luis Lopez Gets 15 Years for Cocaine, Fentanyl Empire · Massachusetts
- Brockton Fentanyl Dealer Gets 106 Months · Massachusetts
- Methuen Man Gets 27 Months for Identity Theft Scheme · Massachusetts
Key Facts
- State: Massachusetts
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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