Leah B. Foley United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts | Department of Justice
A former resident of Worcester with ties to the Eastside gang was sentenced in federal court for firearms offenses and cocaine distribution. Juan Otero, 23, also known as "Nene" or "Blockz," received a 72-month prison sentence followed by five years of supervised release. In February 2025, Otero pleaded guilty to several charges including dealing in firearms without a license and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
The case involved multiple transactions facilitated through a cooperating witness working with federal law enforcement. Otero sold the witness cocaine and firearms on several occasions between November 2023 and January 2025. The transactions included the sale of a Taurus pistol, Colt MK IV Series 80 pistol, Walther PPK pistol, Ruger Security Six revolver, and a Glock 30S with a machinegun conversion device.
At the time of these offenses, Otero was awaiting trial for state firearm charges from an indictment in Worcester Superior Court in 2022. These charges included unlawful possession of various firearms and ammunition.
The sentencing was announced by United States Attorney Leah B. Foley along with other law enforcement officials from agencies such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and Massachusetts State Police. The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement and communities.
