Three Suspected in Cocaine Distribution Conspiracy Indicted in Central Massachusetts

Three men have been charged in a federal indictment for their alleged roles in a narcotics operation that circulated cocaine through Central Massachusetts. According to a

press release

from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Luis Sastre Pagan, Eric Rivera, and Miguel Lopez are facing various charges tied to an alleged conspiracy to distribute cocaine.

Indicted on one count of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute, the men are embedded in a legal struggle that could lead to significant prison time and hefty fines if convicted. Released on conditions after his arrest in Puerto Rico, Sastre Pagan has been ordered to appear in federal court in Massachusetts by November 20, 2024. His co-defendants Rivera and Lopez have already made their initial court appearances in Boston. Pagan, hailing from Puerto Rico and formerly residing in Southbridge, along with Rivera and Lopez, both of Southbridge, are now entangled in the criminal justice system.

From April 2023 through April 2024, the defendants are alleged to have conspired to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine. Lopez, who additionally faces charges for possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance and unlawful possession of a machine gun, was caught with about two kilograms of cocaine and a modified Glock 19 pistol, according to the

charging documents

.

Conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute carries a maximum sentencing of up to 20 years in prison, while possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine carries a stiffer penalty of 10 years to 40 years in prison. Lopez, who had his hands on the package containing cocaine and a machine gun conversion, also faces up to 10 years for the firearms offense. Apart from imprisonment, the defendants could also face fines ranging from $1 million to $5 million. The sentences will be decided upon by a federal district court judge, taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutory factors.

The case is part of a larger effort by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) to target high-level criminal organizations that pose a threat to the United States. The operation employs a multi-agency approach led by prosecutors and based on intelligence. The announcement of the indictments was made by Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy, and supported by federal agencies, including the DEA’s New England Field Division and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlin Brown of the Worcester Branch Office is in charge of prosecuting the case.

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