A Massachusetts man is facing a decade behind bars after being convicted in a sizable drug scheme involving a significant quantity of counterfeit pills laced with methamphetamine and fentanyl. According to a statement from the
U.S. Attorney’s Office
, Charles Bates, 31, from Reading, was handed a 10-year prison sentence followed by five years of supervised release, as decided by U.S. District Judge Leo T. Sorokin.
Bates had admitted, back in August 2024, to one count of conspiracy with intent to distribute significant quantities of drugs—specifically, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and 40 grams or more of fentanyl. The investigation into Bates started two years prior when he was spotted picking up 50 kilograms of an orange substance used for making counterfeit Adderall pills at a Boston UPS store. In text messages seized by authorities, Bates discussed custom-made pills and included details about the production process, mentioning his presence there to ensure “no corners have been cut,” as reported by the
U.S. Attorney’s Office
. Moreover, Bates was observed transporting an object consistent with a pill press to an associate’s residence.
The judicial crackdown comes in the aftermath of a broader inquiry, which had law enforcement find an industrial pill press along with drugs and firearms during a search at coconspirator Aaron Lenardis’ home in Saugus. In October 2022, the evidence seized included methamphetamine, fentanyl, and guns—a Glock modified to function as a machinegun among them. “M30” stamps, common in the counterfeit pill trade, were also found at the location.
Bates’ associate, Lenardis, is also in legal hot water. He was convicted of similar drug-related charges, including being a felon in possession of firearms, according to the acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy and DEA’s Acting Special Agent in Charge Stephen Belleau’s announcement. Lenardis’ sentencing is slated for February 12, 2025. Together, the pair was implicated in the circulation of at least 136,000 counterfeit pills, amounting to approximately 40 kilograms worth of illicit substances.
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