Dominican National Charged With Fentanyl Trafficking And Identity Theft

BOSTON – A Dominican national was charged today in federal court in Boston in connection with trafficking fentanyl, false representation of a Social Security number, and aggravated identity theft.

Omar Lugo, 44, a Dominican national residing in Dorchester, was indicted on two counts of distribution of, and possession with intent to distribute, more than 40 grams of fentanyl. In February 2019, Lugo, whose last name was unknown at the time, was arrested and charged by complaint with aggravated identity theft and false representation of a Social Security number. He has been in custody since.

Between November 2012 and July 2018, Lugo submitted applications for a Massachusetts Identification Card, a Massachusetts Learner’s Permit Exam, and a Massachusetts License using the name, Social Security number, and date of birth of a U.S. citizen from Puerto Rico.

In October 2016 and January 2017, on two separate occasions in Boston, Lugo sold more than 40 grams of fentanyl to a source cooperating with the government.

The charge of distribution of over 40 grams of fentanyl carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and no greater than 40 years in prison, a minimum of four years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $5 million. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory two-years in prison to be served consecutive to any other sentence imposed. The charge of false representation of a Social Security number provides for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. The Boston Police Department provided valuable assistance to the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen W. Hassink of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.

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.