BOSTON – A Methuen man is staring down a potential life sentence after a superseding indictment revealed his deep involvement in a fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl distribution network. Andi Guerrero-Lara, a/k/a “Manny Sierra,” 22, is accused of repeatedly supplying deadly narcotics to an undercover agent, fueling the opioid crisis that continues to ravage the Commonwealth.
According to federal prosecutors, Guerrero-Lara conspired to distribute at least 400 grams of fentanyl and 100 grams of acetyl fentanyl. The indictment further alleges he distributed and possessed with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 10 grams or more of acetyl fentanyl on six separate occasions between September and October 2019. These weren’t isolated deals; investigators say Guerrero-Lara and his co-defendant were part of a larger drug trafficking organization operating in the Merrimack Valley.
Guerrero-Lara and Angel Rivera-Valle, a/k/a “Jose Antonio Serrano,” were initially arrested in October 2019 and have remained in custody ever since. Rivera-Valle has already pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and three counts of distribution of the deadly opioid. He’s scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns on September 8, 2020.
The charges against Guerrero-Lara carry significant penalties. Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute the quantities of fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl listed in the indictment carries a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years, and potentially life in prison. A fine of up to $10 million could also be levied, alongside at least five years of supervised release. The distribution and possession charges also carry hefty sentences – a minimum of five years and up to 40 years, with fines up to $5 million.
This case highlights the relentless efforts of federal law enforcement to dismantle drug trafficking organizations and stem the flow of fentanyl into Massachusetts communities. U.S. Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division, announced the indictment, crediting the Massachusetts State Police and the Andover Police Department for their assistance. The investigation continues to unravel the full scope of the operation and identify any additional players involved.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alathea E. Porter of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case. The sentencing for Guerrero-Lara will be determined by a federal district court judge, taking into account U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other relevant statutory factors. This is another grim reminder of the devastating impact of fentanyl and the unwavering commitment of law enforcement to bring those responsible to justice.
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Key Facts
- State: Massachusetts
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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