Joel Cortorreal, Fentanyl Trafficking, Massachusetts 2021

BOSTON, Massachusetts – Joel Cortorreal, a Dominican national previously residing in Methuen, was sentenced to 186 months in prison and five years of supervised release for fentanyl trafficking in connection with the seizure of approximately 20 kilograms of heroin and 10 kilos of fentanyl.

Cortorreal, also known as Angel Javier Morell-Oneill, will face deportation proceedings upon completion of his sentence. The sentencing took place on April 29, 2021, in U.S. District Court in Boston.

Cortorreal was found guilty of one count of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien, and one count of being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

The charges against Cortorreal stemmed from a traffic stop in October 2018 in Methuen, where officers seized two kilograms of fentanyl from the front passenger seat of Cortorreal’s vehicle. A subsequent search of Cortorreal’s residence resulted in the seizure of approximately 20 kilos of heroin, over eight kilos of fentanyl, drug distribution paraphernalia, and a loaded firearm.

Acting U.S. Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell, Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division, and Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, made the announcement today.

Valuable assistance was provided by the Somerville, Medford, Boston, Ipswich, and Arlington Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine Ferguson and Nadine Pellegrini of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.

Cortorreal will serve 15 years and 6 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.

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