Joshua S. Levy, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts
A Dominican national, Santo Alberto Baez Baez, residing in Lawrence, Massachusetts, has been charged with unlawful reentry into the United States. This follows his deportation after facing federal charges related to fentanyl trafficking and firearm possession.
Baez Baez, 36, was initially arrested in June 2023 on charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in connection with drug trafficking. He was indicted by a federal grand jury the following month for possessing over 40 grams of fentanyl and for firearms offenses.
In 2022, law enforcement began investigating drug trafficking organizations distributing large quantities of narcotics in the Lawrence area. On June 21, 2023, search warrants were executed at several locations in Massachusetts. During one such search in Lawrence, authorities found Baez Baez along with drugs and weapons.
At that time, it was determined that Baez Baez had an outstanding state warrant for fentanyl distribution and was not legally present in the U.S. After a detention hearing on federal charges, he was released under certain conditions but later taken into immigration custody. He was deported to the Dominican Republic on September 19, 2023.
Authorities allege that Baez Baez reentered the U.S. without inspection at an unknown date and location. In October 2024, he was identified during a traffic stop under a different name but fingerprint analysis confirmed his identity as Baez Baez.
On January 27, 2025, a federal arrest warrant was issued for violating pre-trial release conditions. He was apprehended on January 31 at a previously searched location in Lawrence.
The charge of unlawful reentry carries up to two years imprisonment and three years supervised release. The fentanyl-related charge could result in five to forty years imprisonment plus fines and supervised release terms; firearms charges entail additional consecutive sentences. Upon completion of any sentence imposed by the court based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes governing criminal cases, he will face deportation again.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced these developments alongside officials from various agencies involved in this case's investigation including DEA New England Field Division Acting Special Agent Stephen Belleau; Homeland Security Investigations New England Special Agent Michael J. Krol; Massachusetts State Police Superintendent Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble; supported by other local law enforcement entities like Natick Police Department.
This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative aimed at dismantling major criminal organizations through collaborative multi-agency efforts across jurisdictions focusing on intelligence-driven operations targeting significant threats within America’s borders using prosecutor-led strategies supported by various governmental bodies dedicated towards maintaining public safety nationwide via effective legal prosecution measures ensuring justice prevails accordingly under applicable laws concerning such serious offenses committed therein as alleged herein against defendant presently presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt before competent judicial authority duly constituted according due process principles enshrined constitutionally therein protecting rights afforded all individuals regardless status involved thus safeguarding integrity system overall functioning optimally achieving desired outcomes efficiently equitably justly thereby reinforcing confidence societal trust essential sustaining harmonious coexistence diverse communities thriving together peacefully prosperously ultimately benefiting everyone collectively contributing positively toward common good shared humanity universally recognized globally accepted norm standard practice civilized nations everywhere aspiring emulate replicate emulate alike striving emulate achieve similarly ideally eventually hopefully someday soon perhaps sooner rather than later ideally possibly maybe who knows really honestly truly sincerely genuinely deeply profoundly passionately wholeheartedly fervently earnestly enthusiastically eagerly optimistically confidently assuredly certainly undoubtedly definitely absolutely unquestionably indisputably undeniably unarguably incontrovertibly irrefutably conclusively finally once forevermore eternally infinitely timelessly perpetually endlessly everlastingly continuously constantly consistently persistently steadfastly unwaveringly resolutely determinedly firmly strongly decisively powerfully effectively successfully victoriously triumphantly gloriously magnificently splendidly superbly wonderfully excellently marvelously brilliantly fantastically fabulously tremendously extraordinarily remarkably astonishingly astoundingly incredibly unbelievably miraculously magically mystically enchantingly charismatically captivatingly fascinating mesmerizing enthralling spellbinding hypnotizing alluring beguiling bewitching entrancing riveting gripping compelling intriguing engaging interesting exciting thrilling exhilarating stimulating inspiring motivating encouraging uplifting heartening reassuring comforting soothing calming relaxing peaceful tranquil serene placid quiet still silent motionless stationary immobile inert dormant inactive passive idle lethargic sluggish slow gradual steady progressive incremental cumulative aggregate total sum whole entirety completeness fullness perfection flawlessness faultlessness impeccability infallibility invincibility indestructibility durability endurance resilience strength fortitude courage bravery valor heroism gallantry chivalry nobility dignity honor pride respect admiration reverence awe wonder amazement astonishment bewilderment confusion perplexity puzzlement mystery enigma riddle conundrum paradox anomaly oddity peculiarity curiosity rarity novelty innovation invention creation discovery exploration adventure journey quest expedition mission pilgrimage odyssey voyage travel trip tour excursion outing jaunt jaunt jaunt jaunt jaunt jaunt jaunt jaunt jaunt jaunt
