A Manchester resident, Luis Maldonado, 50, has admitted to his participation in a drug trafficking organization based in Massachusetts. Maldonado pleaded guilty in federal court in Concord to conspiring to distribute fentanyl and cocaine. The sentencing is set for July 8, 2025, by U.S. District Court Judge Samantha Elliott.
On April 26, 2023, Maldonado, along with 20 others, was charged with conspiracy. So far, 14 of these defendants have been convicted. Maldonado's involvement in the organization mainly consisted of selling crack cocaine and other drugs. During a traffic stop on May 19, 2022, authorities found $12,994, a digital scale in his backpack, and a hidden compartment in the vehicle that stored narcotics. His phone contained messages concerning drug transactions.
According to the legal framework, Maldonado is facing a possible maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, along with a minimum of three years of supervised release and a fine up to $1,000,000. Sentences take into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines along with applicable laws.
The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with significant support from the Manchester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Gingrande is handling the prosecution.
Maldonado's case is part of Operation Take Back America. This nationwide initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Justice, aims to eliminate cartels, transnational criminal organizations, and combat violent crime. For more details on the OCDETF Program, visit the Department of Justice website.
