A federal grand jury in Boston has indicted four Dominican nationals residing in Lawrence, Massachusetts, on charges related to drug trafficking. Juana Luduvina Aguasvivas, 66, Richard Arias-Aguasvivas, 38, Ariel Ruiz, 31, and Yonelin Baez Soto, 30, face accusations of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Additionally, Arias-Aguasvivas, Ruiz, and Baez have been charged with the distribution of and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and/or crack cocaine. The defendants are set to appear in federal court in Boston on May 29.
The investigation into this case began in April 2021 when authorities targeted a drug trafficking organization operating in Lawrence that was allegedly supplying fentanyl and cocaine base. Between April 2021 and February 2025, investigators conducted controlled purchases where the accused collectively sold over 800 grams of fentanyl and more than 80 grams of crack cocaine.
In a related development from May 2025, Baez pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry and is scheduled for sentencing on August 6. If convicted on the current charges, Arias-Aguasvivas, Ruiz, and Baez could face at least ten years up to life imprisonment along with substantial fines. Aguasvivas faces potential sentences ranging from five to forty years if found guilty.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the indictments alongside Kimberly Milka from the Federal Bureau of Investigations' Boston Division. Several local law enforcement agencies provided assistance during the investigation.
This case falls under Operation Take Back America—an initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration and dismantling transnational criminal organizations.
All details within the charging document remain allegations until proven otherwise in court.
