A man from Lawrence has admitted to his role in money laundering and cocaine-related conspiracies. Victor Berroa Mercedes, aged 32, entered a guilty plea for charges including conspiracy to launder money, conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, as well as possession with intent to distribute cocaine. The sentencing by U.S. District Judge Myong J. Joun is set for September 23, 2025.
In January 2024, Berroa Mercedes delivered approximately $70,000 in drug trafficking proceeds concealed in a shopping bag for the purpose of money laundering to undercover law enforcement agents in Lowell. During this transaction, he contacted a co-conspirator to verify that the amount being delivered was indeed $70,000.
In May 2024, Berroa Mercedes attempted to acquire 32 kilograms of cocaine from a cooperating source in Woburn. As law enforcement moved in for an arrest during this exchange, he fled and dropped a plastic bag containing $32,800 in cash but was quickly apprehended.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration's New England Field Division; Thomas Demeo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations based in Boston; Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble from the Massachusetts State Police; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox. The investigation received valuable assistance from various police departments including those of Waltham, Bedford, Middleborough, Framingham, Lowell, Braintree, Haverhill and Wilmington along with the Illinois State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine Ferguson, J. Mackenzie Duane and John Mulcahy are handling the prosecution.
