Ernesto Matos, Heroin Distribution, New York 2014

A Belchertown man has been sentenced to 41 months in federal prison for his role in distributing heroin in the North Country.

Ernesto Matos, 33, of Belchertown, Massachusetts, was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison by Senior United States District Court Judge Thomas J. McAvoy in United States District Court in Albany, New York, announced United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Drug Enforcement Administration Acting Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt.

Matos pled guilty in May 2014 to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute heroin. As part of that plea agreement, Matos admitted to distributing at least 100 grams of heroin.

The charges stemmed from Matos’ role as a supplier of heroin to local dealers in the Malone area. The sentence also includes a three-year term of supervised release following Matos’ incarceration and a $100 special assessment.

According to authorities, heroin addiction and overdoses have been on the rise in the district, with over one hundred people dying a day due to opioid overdoses. Law enforcement officials are working together to rid their communities of this horrible scourge.

Matos was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, New York State Police, Massachusetts State Police, Belchertown Police Department, Malone Village Police Department, and the Franklin County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Katherine Kopita prosecuted the case.

Matos’ sentence is a result of his role in bringing a large amount of heroin to the area, which was then distributed to local dealers. His case highlights the efforts of law enforcement agencies to dismantle drug distribution organizations and prevent the flow of illegal drugs in their communities.

With the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration agents, the police were able to trace the heroin back to Holyoke, Massachusetts, identifying the supplier to local distributors, further interrupting the flow of illegal drugs.

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