Leah B. Foley United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts | Department of Justice
A Lawrence resident originally from the Dominican Republic has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to fentanyl distribution. Hector Santana Guzman, also known as “DJ Black,” admitted to two counts of distributing and possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute. The plea was entered before United States District Judge Patti B. Saris, who set sentencing for December 10, 2025.
According to federal authorities, Santana Guzman sold approximately 50 grams of powder fentanyl on June 6, 2024, and another 70 grams on June 25, 2024. Both transactions were made with a cooperating witness during an investigation into the transnational criminal organization known as the 18th Street Gang.
The offenses carry a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine that could reach $1 million. Sentencing will be determined by the judge based on federal guidelines and statutes.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the plea along with Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Boston Division; and Bryan DiGirolamo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. Assistance came from several agencies including Massachusetts State Police; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations; local district attorney’s offices; and police departments from Boston-area communities.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred Wyshak is prosecuting the case as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. The OCDETF program aims to identify and dismantle high-level criminal organizations using coordinated efforts across multiple agencies led by prosecutors. More information about OCDETF can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
