BOSTON - Dominican woman pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston for her role in a widespread heroin and fentanyl trafficking conspiracy operating in Lawrence.
Diosmary Burgos, 39, a Dominican national, pleaded guilty to three counts of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine, and 40 grams or greater of fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for August 6, 2018.
On May 30, 2017, a large scale law enforcement operation was conducted in an effort to dismantle two Lawrence-based drug trafficking organizations, one allegedly run by Juan Anibal Patrone, and another allegedly led by Ramon Gonzalez-Nival, who was also a source of supply for Patrone. Burgos was arrested and charged along with Patrone, Gonzalez-Nival, and approximately 30 co-conspirators.
Ms. Burgos bought her drugs, and specifically fentanyl, from Gonzalez-Nival then distributed it. During the investigation, she was intercepted on multiple occasions ordering several fingers (10 gram units) of drugs from Gonzalez-Nival. When a search warrant was executed at her home on May 30, 2017, approximately 90 grams of fentanyl was located in a closet, which she admitted belonged to her.
Patrone and Gonzalez-Nival have pleaded not guilty and are awaiting trial.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or greater of heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, a minimum of four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of $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; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division; and Peter Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Essex County District Attorney Jonathan W. Blodgett; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Lawrence Police Chief Roy P. Vasque made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan Winkler 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.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
