BOSTON – A Springfield woman has taken a major tumble in the federal justice system after pleading guilty to possessing fentanyl intended for distribution.
Karyela Santiago, 27, of Springfield, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, a charge that could land her 20 years behind bars. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Aug. 8, 2024, after accepting Santiago’s guilty plea on Tuesday.
The indictment against Santiago was handed down in September 2023, stemming from events that unfolded on March 30, 2022. It’s alleged that on that day, Santiago possessed a staggering 8,090 bags of fentanyl intended for distribution – containing a total of 129 grams of the deadly substance.
The charge of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison, four years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and other law enforcement officials announced the guilty plea, praising the hard work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd E. Newhouse, who is prosecuting the case. Others involved in the investigation include Springfield Police Superintendent Lawrence Akers and Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration in New England.
As Santiago awaits her fate, the community remains shaken by the devastating effects of fentanyl and other illicit substances. Grimy Times will continue to provide updates on this case as more information becomes available.
The investigation and prosecution of fentanyl cases are a top priority for federal and local law enforcement agencies, who are working tirelessly to combat the opioid crisis and keep communities safe. In this case, the guilty plea serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of engaging in illicit activities that put lives at risk.
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Key Facts
- State: Massachusetts
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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