Elmidio Crisostomo, Counterfeit Pills Conspiracy, Massachusetts 2025

Counterfeit Pills Conspiracy Rocks Massachusetts Communities

Two Massachusetts men have been found guilty of their roles in a conspiracy involving the distribution and manufacturing of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl and other controlled substances.

Elmidio Crisostomo, 30, of Lynnfield and David Depena, 32, of Lynn, pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.

According to the investigation, Crisostomo and Depena used an apartment in Lynn to manufacture counterfeit pills containing fentanyl and other controlled substances. The defendants then distributed thousands of these pills to customers in towns including Malden and Revere.

During a search of the Lynn apartment in June 2023, a large hand-crank-style press used for manufacturing pills as well as multiple kilograms of pills and powder containing fentanyl and other controlled substances were recovered.

The charge of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 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.

Elmidio Crisostomo, 30, of Lynnfield

Criminal Charges: Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances

City and State: Lynnfield, Massachusetts

Exact Date: December 10, 2025

Sentence or Outcome: Sentencing scheduled for December 10, 2025

Dollar Amounts: Up to $1 million fine

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Lynn Police Department and the Revere Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel R. Feldman of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/two-plead-guilty-conspiracy-involving-manufacturing-counterfeit-pills-containing