Dominican National Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Trafficking

 BOSTON – A Dominican national pleaded guilty today in connection with drug trafficking activities involving fentanyl. 

Jonathan Mejia, 32, pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and two counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for March 4, 2021.

On July 22, 2020, Mejia was charged by criminal complaint and was arrested. He has been in federal custody since.

Mejia made three separate sales of fentanyl to an undercover law enforcement officer in June and July 2020 in Lawrence. While on his way to make a fourth sale of fentanyl, agents arrested Mejia.

The charges of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl carry a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charges of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl carry a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. 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 Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Boston Field Office made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Lawrence Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen W. Hassink of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.