BOSTON - A Lawrence gang member was indicted today in federal court in Boston on federal firearms and drug charges.
Esmarin Santiago, 39, was charged with one count each of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute, and possessing firearms during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Santiago was previously charged in a criminal complaint and arrested in July 2017.
According to court documents, Santiago is associated with the Latin Gangster Disciple street gang and has a lengthy criminal history including prior convictions for possession of firearms, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, armed robbery, armed assault, and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
On April 10, 2017, Santiago was allegedly found in possession of a Smith & Wesson 9 mm firearm, a Smith & Wesson.40 caliber firearm, 10 rounds of 9 mm ammunition, and 14 rounds of.40 caliber ammunition. He was also found in possession of over 40 grams of fentanyl.
The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession with intent to distribute over 40 grams of fentanyl provides for a minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of 40 years in prison, a minimum of four years and a maximum of a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $5 million. The charge of possessing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime provides for a mandatory minimum of five years and a maximum of life in prison to be served consecutively to any other sentence, five years of supervised release, and a fine up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb; Mickey D. Leadingham, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; Colonel Richard D. McKeon, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Middlesex District Attorney Marian T. Ryan made the announcement today. Assistant United States Attorney Kunal Pasricha of Weinreb’s Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictments are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
