Lynn Man Convicted of Drug and Firearm Charges

BOSTON – In a major blow to the city’s underworld, a Lynn man has been convicted of drug and firearm charges after a five-day jury trial in federal court.

José Pérez, 27, was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and one count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Chief U.S. District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor scheduled sentencing for November 1, 2024. Pérez was arrested in January 2023, along with co-defendant Henry Del Rio.

“Mr. Pérez put the community at risk with dangerous controlled substances and an illegal firearm. With drugs and guns threatening many civilians’ livelihoods, this case demonstrates our commitment to protecting our communities from any and all threats they may face,” said Acting United States Joshua S. Levy.

Prosecutors presented evidence that Pérez was involved in a high-speed escape attempt, reaching speeds of over 85 miles per hour on residential streets. The pursuit ended with Pérez’s car colliding with another vehicle, and a Glock 34X 9mm semi-automatic handgun was found dropped on the ground.

Pérez was found with $2,000 cash in his pockets, and two bags containing cocaine and 44 smaller, individually wrapped bags of fentanyl were discovered in the vehicle. Del Rio, Pérez’s co-defendant, pleaded guilty in April 2024 and is scheduled to be sentenced on October 3, 2024.

The charges against Pérez carry significant penalties, including up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for the conspiracy charge. The felon in possession of a firearm charge carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and ATF SAC Ferguson made the announcement today, thanking the Lexington, Chelsea, and MBTA Police Departments, as well as Customs and Border Protection, for their valuable assistance in the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mike Crowley and Sarah Hoefle are prosecuting the case.

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