A Dominican national, Wagner Ismael Mejia Sanchez, also known as "Jose F. Rosario" and "Jose Majimbe," has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston. Mejia Sanchez, 39, residing in Lawrence, faces charges of allegedly distributing 1,000 fentanyl pills while under federal supervised release for a previous drug trafficking conviction involving heroin and cocaine. He was previously arrested on April 1, 2025.
Mejia Sanchez was initially charged in 2012 in connection with a cocaine and heroin trafficking conspiracy, to which he pleaded guilty. In 2015, he was sentenced to 39 months in prison and received 10 years of supervised release.
According to the charging documents, Mejia Sanchez was allegedly identified as a supplier in a drug trafficking organization and was observed engaged in suspected hand-to-hand drug transactions. Law enforcement reportedly arranged a controlled purchase on February 19, 2025, in Lawrence where he allegedly distributed 1,000 fentanyl pills.
The charge for distributing 40 grams or more of fentanyl could result in a sentence ranging from five to 20 years, with at least four years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $5 million. Due to his prior conviction, he may face a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison, with at least eight years of supervised release and a fine up to $8 million. Deportation is possible upon the completion of any sentence.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration's New England Field Division, Stephen Belleau. Assistant U.S. Attorney Annapurna Balakrishna is prosecuting the case.
This case forms part of Operation Take Back America, a federal initiative aimed at curbing illegal immigration, tackling cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protecting communities from violent crime. The operation utilizes the resources of the Department of Justice, organized crime drug enforcement task forces, and Project Safe Neighborhoods.
It is important to note that the charges are allegations, and Mejia Sanchez is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
