BOSTON – The gritty streets of Worcester were hit hard today as Albeiro Gomez, 54, and Erotides Mendez, 50, a Dominican national, were each indicted on serious charges related to the distribution of deadly fentanyl and heroin.
Gomez, from Worcester, and Mendez, previously residing in New York City, have been tied to a sprawling conspiracy involving over 40 grams of heroin and significant quantities of fentanyl. Gomez faces additional charges for distributing cocaine with intent to distribute, while Mendez is also charged with possession of heroin and fentanyl with intent to distribute.
According to court documents, Gomez’s distribution activities were not confined to Worcester; his reach extended into New York City as well. Mendez’s involvement was equally brazen, with active participation in the acquisition and transportation of the illicit substances. Both individuals were apprehended in December 2018, with Mendez remaining in custody ever since.
The severity of their charges is not lost on either defendant. The distribution of fentanyl alone carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years, with potential imprisonment up to 40 years. Each additional drug charge carries its own heavy penalties, including fines that could total $1 million per offense. Mendez faces deportation proceedings upon completion of his sentence.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA New England Field Division, led the announcement of these charges. The Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office and the Massachusetts State Police played pivotal roles in this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bill Abely and John Mulcahy are prosecuting the case.
Despite the gravity of the allegations against them, Gomez and Mendez maintain their innocence until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Key Facts
- State: Massachusetts
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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