United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy | U.S. Department of Justice
A Manchester, New Hampshire man, Miguel Angel Martinez Lugo, has pleaded guilty in a Boston federal court to charges related to the possession and intent to distribute over five kilograms of cocaine. The plea was entered on December 11, 2024. U.S. District Court Judge Julia E. Kobick has set the sentencing date for March 6, 2025.
Martinez Lugo, also known by aliases "Jesus Manuel Encarnacion" and "Jose Rosado Rabell," admitted guilt for possessing with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine. This charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years imprisonment, potentially extending to life, along with supervised release ranging from five years to life and a fine that could reach $10 million.
The arrest followed an operation on April 4, 2024, when law enforcement observed suspicious activity involving two vehicles: a black Acura MDX registered under one of Martinez Lugo's aliases and a Chevrolet pickup truck with an Ohio license plate. Officers noted these vehicles traveling together before parking in Salem, Massachusetts.
Police witnessed Martinez Lugo and another individual moving heavy-duty storage bins between the vehicles. Upon approaching the scene later, Martinez Lugo abandoned his vehicle after making eye contact with an officer. A search warrant led to the discovery of 70 kilograms of cocaine within three plastic storage bins inside the Acura MDX.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy announced the case details alongside Stephen Belleau from the Drug Enforcement Administration's New England Field Division; Chief Lucas J. Miller from Salem Police Department; and Chief Peter Marr from Manchester Police Department. Additional support came from United States Marshals and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol services.
Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Mackenzie Duane is prosecuting this case under the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit.
