Joseph Romano, Oxycodone Distribution, Massachusetts 2024

BOSTON – Joseph Romano, 39, of Peabody, is headed to federal prison after being sentenced yesterday for running a widespread oxycodone distribution network across the North Shore. U.S. District Court Judge George A. O’Toole Jr. handed down a four-year sentence, followed by three years of supervised release, for the man at the center of the drug operation.

Romano pleaded guilty in March 2017 to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute oxycodone. The investigation, which began in March 2014, revealed Romano acted as a key redistributor, sourcing pills from multiple suppliers and pushing them out to a network of users. Federal investigators utilized surveillance and a confidential source to document controlled purchases directly from Romano and his associates, building a solid case against the operation.

The investigation identified Anthony Panarese, Jarod Presterone, and Paul Williams as Romano’s primary oxycodone suppliers. Romano routinely contacted each of them weekly to arrange meetings and secure pills for resale. Eric Vaughn was also a source, but delivered directly to Romano for his personal use – a clear indication of Romano’s own opioid dependency fueling the criminal enterprise. The operation extended to include customers Ashley Turner, Sans Milbury, and Marcelle Milbury, who received pills from Romano.

The depth of Romano’s operation became apparent even when he took a vacation in June 2015. He delegated distribution duties to Ashley Turner, who in turn received a supply from Paul Williams, who then passed the pills through her father, David Turner Sr. – illustrating a multi-generational involvement in the illicit trade. This brazen continuity of supply, even in the leader’s absence, underscores the calculated nature of the ring.

Romano isn’t the only one facing consequences. Anthony Panarese has already been sentenced to 46 months in prison, while Marcelle Milbury received a one-year sentence. Sans Milbury successfully completed the RISE program, a court-sponsored initiative, and received three years of probation. Jarod Presterone, Eric Vaughn, Ashley Turner, David Turner Sr., and Paul Williams have all pleaded guilty and are currently awaiting sentencing, signaling a full reckoning for the entire network.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James E. Arnold of the Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit, under the direction of Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb. Support came from Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Boston Field Office; Colonel Richard D. McKeon, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Danvers Police Chief Patrick M. Ambrose. This collaborative effort brought down a significant drug operation and sends a clear message that opioid trafficking will not be tolerated in Massachusetts.