Steven Perez, Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl, Massachusetts 2019

BOSTON, Massachusetts - In a move to crack down on the opioid epidemic, federal authorities have arrested two men accused of running a fentanyl distribution operation in the state. The alleged ringleaders, Steven Perez of Lowell and Anthony Holloway of Methuen, were taken into custody on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019.

According to the charging documents, Perez and Holloway allegedly used an elderly housing complex run by the Methuen Housing Authority to package and sell fentanyl. The investigation, which spanned several months, revealed a sophisticated operation that had been evading law enforcement for some time.

The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston, Perez and Holloway were detained pending a detention and probable cause hearing set for Dec. 19, 2019. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip C. Cheng of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Boston Field Office, in collaboration with the Methuen Police Department.

The opioid epidemic has ravaged communities across the country, with fentanyl being a major player in the crisis. The arrest of Perez and Holloway serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat this scourge and bring those responsible to justice.

The alleged fentanyl distribution operation highlights the need for continued vigilance and cooperation among law enforcement agencies, as well as the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/two-men-arrested-conspiracy-distribute-fentanyl-0