Hector Rodriguez, Crack Distribution, Massachusetts 2011

BOSTON – In a significant blow to the Fitchburg gang scene, Hector Rodriguez, a/k/a Bolo, 33, has been sentenced to 170 months in prison for distributing crack cocaine.

According to court documents, Rodriguez was found guilty of three counts of crack distribution after a five-day jury trial in January 2013. The evidence presented during the trial showed that Rodriguez distributed over 70 grams of crack cocaine on October 26, 2011, November 2, 2011, and November 26, 2011, for just under $4,000.

The investigation that led to Rodriguez's arrest was part of Operation Red Wolf, a multi-agency operation targeting gang members involved in drug dealing and firearms distribution in the Fitchburg area. Rodriguez was arrested in January 2012 and found in possession of a loaded .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun and small amounts of both crack cocaine and marijuana.

On October 26, 2011, Rodriguez distributed 23.25 grams of crack cocaine, which was valued at $2,000. Just six days later, on November 2, 2011, he distributed another 23.25 grams of crack cocaine, valued at $2,000. The final distribution took place on November 26, 2011, when Rodriguez handed over 24.75 grams of crack cocaine, valued at $1,925.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cory Flashner and Mark Grady of U.S. Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz's Worcester Branch Office Unit.

United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz, along with several other law enforcement officials, made the announcement today. The officials involved in the case include John J. Arvanitis, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division; Richard DesLauriers, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Fitchburg Police Chief Robert A. DeMoura; Webster Police Chief Timothy J. Bent; Dan Kumor, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Colonel Timothy P. Alben, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police.

Rodriguez's sentence will be followed by 96 months of supervised release. The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat gang-related crime in the Fitchburg area.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/fitchburg-gang-member-sentenced-crack-distribution