Defendant involved in large-scale fentanyl and heroin trafficking ring in Springfield
BOSTON - A Bronx man was convicted by a federal jury today in connection with his role in a large-scale drug conspiracy that trafficked dozens of kilos of heroin and fentanyl into Springfield from Bronx, N.Y., and the Dominican Republic.
Richard Rosario, 35, was convicted of one count of conspiring to distribute and possession with intent to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin in violation of the Controlled Substances Act. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for June 29, 2020.
Rosario routinely travelled to a heroin mill at 152 Lebanon Street in Springfield where he and others packaged kilograms of heroin for retail distribution for a drug trafficking organization (DTO) based in Springfield, which was run by Alberto Marte. The Marte DTO had direct contact with heroin supply sources in the Dominican Republic. On a monthly basis, members of the organization transported between eight and 20 kilograms of heroin to the Springfield area. Marte and 11 others have pleaded guilty to crimes resulting from their roles in the organization.
During trial, evidence showed that on Sept. 22, 2016, law enforcement executed a search at the heroin mill and found 1.7 kilograms of heroin, some of which was mixed with fentanyl, that had been packaged or was about to be packaged. There was also evidence that Rosario and others had packaged 1.5 kilograms of heroin in addition to what was discovered when they searched the premises.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin provides for a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, a minimum of five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 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; Hampden County District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division; Jason Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Claprood; Chicopee Police Chief William Jebb; Holyoke Police Chief Manny Febo; and West Springfield Police Chief Paul Connor made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Neil L. Desroches, of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office, and Stephen W. Hassink, of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit, are prosecuting the case.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
