Lawrence Gang Member Indicted on Federal Firearms and Drug Charges

Lawrence Gang Member Indicted on Federal Firearms and Drug Charges

The following press release was published by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys on Aug. 23, 2017. It is reproduced in full below.

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

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