BOSTON – A shocking case of fentanyl trafficking has come to a close in federal court in Boston. Junior Baez Sanchez, a 32-year-old Dominican national residing in Chelsea, Mass., was sentenced to three years in prison for distributing the deadly opioid. According to court records, Baez Sanchez pleaded guilty to two counts of distributing fentanyl and one count of failing to appear for court in January 2025.
The charges stem from two separate incidents in 2020. On June 2, 2020, Baez Sanchez distributed more than 40 grams of fentanyl in Chelsea. Just a month later, on July 15, 2020, he distributed the same deadly opioid in Malden.
But Baez Sanchez’s troubles with the law didn’t end there. In March 2021, he was indicted by a federal grand jury and was scheduled for trial in October 2022. However, he failed to appear for court as required on Oct. 4, 2022 – just a week shy of his trial.
A warrant was issued for his arrest, and it would be two years before Baez Sanchez was apprehended. On Sept. 24, 2024, law enforcement stopped a vehicle driven by Baez Sanchez, who had 12 clear bags of fentanyl in his pocket.
US Attorney Leah B. Foley and James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. Special assistance was provided by the Chelsea Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Dell’Anno of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Baez Sanchez’s sentencing brings an end to a lengthy and complex case. As he begins his three-year prison sentence, the community can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that a dangerous opioid dealer is off the streets.
The case highlights the ongoing struggle against fentanyl trafficking in Massachusetts. As law enforcement continues to crack down on these operations, the public can expect to see more cases like Baez Sanchez’s come to light.
Defendant: Junior Baez Sanchez
Criminal Charges: Two counts of distributing fentanyl, one count of failing to appear for court
City and State: Chelsea, Massachusetts
Exact Date: January 2025 (plea), June 2, 2020, and July 15, 2020 (crimes)
Sentence or Outcome: Three years in prison
Defendant’s Background: 32-year-old Dominican national residing in Chelsea, Mass.
Related Federal Cases
- Joshua Morales, Fentanyl Trafficking, Massachusetts 2023 · Massachusetts
- Carlos Rodriguez, Fentanyl Trafficking, Massachusetts 2017 · Massachusetts
- Fernando Hernandez, Heroin and Fentanyl Trafficking, Massachusetts 2016 · Massachusetts
- David Thomas Jr, Methamphetamine and Fentanyl-Heroin Trafficking, Massachusetts 2024 · Massachusetts
- Geudin Nivar Baez, Fentanyl Conspiracy, Massachusetts 2018 · New Hampshire
Key Facts
- State: Massachusetts
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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