Joshua S. Levy, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts
A Lawrence, Massachusetts man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison following a conviction for various crimes, including kidnapping conspiracy and drug distribution. Justin Suriel, aged 28, received his sentence from U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani. Following his prison term, Suriel will be under supervised release for five years.
In August 2024, Suriel admitted guilt to charges of firearm possession as a felon, conspiracy to distribute substantial amounts of fentanyl and cocaine, and involvement in a kidnapping plot. The charges were linked to a broader investigation into the Gangster Disciples' activities across Lawrence, Haverhill, and Methuen.
The investigation began in August 2020 and involved intercepting communications among gang leaders and members regarding their drug distribution network that spanned Massachusetts, Maine, southern New Hampshire, and Essex County Jail.
Suriel's involvement included conspiring with other gang members to kidnap a marijuana supplier from Maine. Wiretapped calls revealed Suriel's drug distribution operations within the Merrimack Valley area. He also provided protection for his cocaine supplier by offering violent defense against any threats.
Federal authorities announced the sentencing today. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley was joined by Jodi Cohen from the FBI Boston Division and Colonel Geoffrey Noble in making the announcement. The case received assistance from multiple agencies including the DEA New England Field Division and local police departments.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip C. Cheng is handling prosecution duties for this case which is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation aimed at dismantling high-level criminal organizations through coordinated multi-agency efforts.
This case also aligns with Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a national initiative focused on reducing gun violence and other violent crimes by fostering community trust and supporting violence prevention strategies.
