Joshua S. Levy, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts
Two men have been arrested in Boston for allegedly conspiring to distribute cocaine. Erick Sandoval-Perez, 43, a Guatemalan national residing in Malden, faces charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine. Christhian Castillo, 32, also from Malden, is charged with distribution and possession with intent to distribute 500 or more grams of cocaine and conspiracy to commit that offense.
Both individuals had initial appearances and a detention hearing in federal court in Worcester. They were ordered held pending further proceedings.
Sandoval-Perez and Castillo are accused of collaborating to sell cocaine on multiple occasions to an undercover law enforcement officer. On February 12, 2025, Sandoval-Perez allegedly arranged the sale of a kilogram of cocaine to an undercover agent. Castillo was arrested when he allegedly handed over the kilogram of cocaine; Sandoval-Perez was apprehended nearby.
Court records indicate that Sandoval-Perez is a Guatemalan national who was previously deported from the United States and allegedly re-entered illegally.
The charge against Sandoval-Perez carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine up to $1 million. The charges against Castillo carry sentences ranging from five years up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release, and fines up to $5 million. Upon completion of any imposed sentence, Sandoval-Perez may face deportation proceedings.
Sentences will be determined by a federal district court judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and relevant statutes.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration's New England Field Division; Chief Ryan Malatos of the Leominster Police Department; and Chief Brian W. Coyne of the Clinton Police Department. The Malden Police Department provided valuable assistance in this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan O’Shea from the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
It is important to note that these details are allegations contained within charging documents. The defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
