A Worcester resident, Hector Torres, 33, has admitted guilt in a federal court for his involvement in a cocaine distribution conspiracy. The plea was entered on charges of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute over 500 grams of cocaine. U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman has set the sentencing date for August 26, 2025.
The indictment against Torres came from a federal grand jury in November 2023. The case stems from an incident in June 2022 when law enforcement intercepted a package sent from Puerto Rico to Worcester containing approximately 6.5 kilograms of cocaine. A controlled delivery was conducted on June 21, 2022, during which Torres accepted the package and attempted to flee but was apprehended by law enforcement.
Each charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and can extend up to 40 years in prison. Additional penalties include at least four years of supervised release and fines up to $5 million. Sentencing will be determined based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and relevant statutes.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Leah B. Foley along with officials including Michael J. Krol from Homeland Security Investigations New England, Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble of the Massachusetts State Police, and Worcester Police Chief Paul B. Saucier. The Drug Enforcement Administration's New England Field Division also contributed valuable assistance to the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlin J. Brown is leading the prosecution.
