CONCORD – Justin Bartimus, 35, a former Methuen resident, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute oxycodone and cocaine, according to United States Attorney Emily Gray Rice.
Bartimus appeared before United States District Court Judge Steven J. McAuliffe on May 4, 2016, to enter his guilty plea. He is one of six individuals indicted by a federal grand jury on September 23, 2015, and charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute.
According to court documents and statements made during the plea proceeding, Bartimus admitted to selling oxycodone to a cooperating individual in Haverhill and Methuen, Massachusetts, and in Salem, New Hampshire. He also admitted to participating in the distribution of cocaine and oxycodone with other individuals.
Bartimus faces sentencing on August 30, 2016. His co-defendants, Mara Morillo, 40, of Haverhill, Massachusetts, Franklyn Morillo, 41, of Haverhill, Massachusetts, Juan Rojas, 31, of Haverhill, Massachusetts, Jorge Medina, 25, of Haverhill, Massachusetts, and Michael Lally, 28, of Salem, New Hampshire, are scheduled for trial on September 20, 2016.
Rojas, 31, of Haverhill, Massachusetts, was also charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He was further charged with conspiracy to possess a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence in a separate indictment. Lally, 28, of Salem, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty on March 22, 2016, and is scheduled for sentencing on June 29, 2016.
The case was supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations. The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Tactical Diversion Squad led the investigation with assistance from the Haverhill, Massachusetts Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John J. Farley. Bartimus’ guilty plea is a significant blow to the organized crime ring responsible for distributing oxycodone and cocaine in the region.
Related Federal Cases
- Methuen Man Pena Admits Heroin, Fentanyl Trafficking & Gun Charge · Massachusetts
- Jose Nunez Gets 8 Years for Oxycodone Conspiracy · Massachusetts
- Mattapan Drug Kingpin Francisco Torres Indicted for Cocaine Distribution · Massachusetts
- Meredith Willey Sentenced for Fentanyl Trafficking · Massachusetts
- Plaistow Man Buckley Faces Time for Kilo Cocaine Stash · Massachusetts
Key Facts
- State: New Hampshire
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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