Eight individuals have been indicted for their involvement in drug trafficking operations originating from Massachusetts and distributing illegal drugs in Manchester, as announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack. An additional individual faces charges for unlawful reentry into the United States following deportation.
On June 18, 2025, law enforcement officials arrested six defendants on charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, including fentanyl. One defendant also faces charges related to unlawful reentry after deportation.
The defendants charged and arrested are Ariel Lara Aguasviva, 35, from South Attleboro, MA; Victor Manuel Mejia Guzman, 49, from Methuen, MA; Jarlin Soto Jimenez, 29, from Lynn, MA; Robert Alexis Pena Lara, 25, from Providence, RI; Edwin Manuel Mejia Mejia, 43, from Dorchester, MA; and Carlo De Los Santos Ruiz, 28, also from Dorchester. All are currently in federal custody.
Charging documents indicate that between November 20, 2023 and May 7, 2025 the accused knowingly conspired to distribute controlled substances such as fentanyl. Additionally noted is that Victor Manuel Mejia Guzman is a Dominican Republic national who was previously deported on November 19, 2007. He has been charged with one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien.
The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Major Crimes Task Force and the Manchester Police Department. Additional support came from DEA New England and HSI New England alongside police departments in Boston, Attleboro, Methuen, Lynn and Providence. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Shannon and Heather Cherniske will prosecute the case.
This action forms part of Operation Take Back America which utilizes resources from the Department of Justice to combat illegal immigration and dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime perpetrators.
It is important to note that these details stem from charging documents which contain allegations only. The defendants remain presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
