BOSTON - A Springfield man was sentenced today in federal court in Springfield in connection with his role in a large-scale drug conspiracy that trafficked dozens of kilos of heroin into Springfield from Bronx, N.Y. and the Dominican Republic.
Alberto Marte, 35, was sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin; six counts of distribution of heroin; one count of conspiracy to distribute more than one kilogram of fentanyl; and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for June 29, 2020.
Marte operated a heroin mill at 152 Lebanon Street in Springfield where his co-conspirators packaged kilograms of heroin for retail distribution for a drug trafficking organization based in Springfield. The organization 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 12 others have pleaded guilty to, or have been found guilty of, crimes resulting from their roles in the organization.
A search of Marte’s home and vehicles on Sept. 22, 2016 resulted in the discovery of three kilograms of heroin hidden in an aftermarket compartment in a vehicle and three firearms. On the same date 1.7 kilograms of heroin and evidence of an active heroin mill were also discovered during searches at additional locations.
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’s New England Division; Jason Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Claprood; Chicopee Police Chief William R. Jebb; Holyoke Police Chief Manny Febo; and West Springfield Police Chief Paul Connor made the announcement today.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil L. Desroches of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the case.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
