A Lawrence man, Joseph Correa, has been sentenced to 18 years in federal prison for leading a multi-state drug trafficking organization. U.S. District Judge Angel Kelley also imposed five years of supervised release following his prison term. In November 2024, Correa admitted guilt to charges including conspiracy to distribute large quantities of fentanyl and cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, illegal firearm possession related to drug trafficking, and money laundering conspiracy.
The investigation revealed that Correa led a network distributing fentanyl and cocaine from Lawrence. He sourced fentanyl locally and traveled with associates Jose Martinez and Luis Martinez to Puerto Rico for wholesale cocaine purchases. The drugs were mailed back to New England for distribution in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Correa used wiretaps discussing drug distribution and firearms possession. He collaborated with Mayi Rosario on laundering proceeds through financial transactions.
Authorities seized drugs and proceeds during the investigation. Correa was arrested in Caguas, Puerto Rico in December 2021 while holding a modified automatic weapon.
Jose Martinez received a 90-month sentence in May 2024; Luis Martinez got five years in February 2025; Rosario was sentenced to 30 months in August 2024.
The case was announced by U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley along with officials from Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration's New England division. Assistance came from several law enforcement agencies including the Lawrence Police Department and FBI.
This operation is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative aimed at dismantling significant criminal organizations through collaborative multi-agency efforts.
