Lawrence School Aide Pleads Guilty to Drug Charges

BOSTON – The grimy streets of Lawrence, Massachusetts, witnessed a disturbing turn today as Reynaldo Sanchez, 26, a former aide at a local public school, pleaded guilty to drug charges. He stands accused of distributing kilos of cocaine and thousands of oxycodone pills.

In August 2015, federal agents launched an investigation into Sanchez’s alleged ties to a Boston-area narcotics and money laundering ring. The probe revealed that Sanchez had planned to buy 10–15 kilograms of cocaine at $33,000 per kilogram from undercover agents. Between March 29 and March 31, 2016, he attempted to purchase 4,000 oxycodone pills for $12 each.

At the time of his arrest, Sanchez had $48,000 in cash on him. A subsequent search at his residence yielded approximately 2.2 kilograms of cocaine. The charges against him could land him up to 20 years for attempted possession with intent to distribute oxycodone and a mandatory minimum of five years for possessing more than 500 grams of cocaine.

Sanchez’s sentencing is set for September 8, 2017, where U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young will decide his fate. The investigation was a collaborative effort between the DOJ USAO, Homeland Security Investigations, Massachusetts State Police, Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office, and several local police departments.

Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb, along with Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations Matthew J. Etre and Superintendent Richard D. McKeon of the Massachusetts State Police, made today’s announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David D’Addio and Kelly Begg Lawrence are handling the prosecution.