Leah B. Foley United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts | Department of Justice
A Wakefield resident has admitted guilt in federal court for his involvement in a methamphetamine trafficking operation in Eastern Massachusetts.
Daniel Loughman, also known as “Swiss,” age 40, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute the same amount. Sentencing is set for March 10, 2025, before U.S. District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV.
Loughman was among four people charged in connection with a large-scale methamphetamine distribution network allegedly run by members and associates of the Unknown Bikers Motorcycle Club.
According to investigators, law enforcement began looking into the activities of a major methamphetamine supplier in Eastern Massachusetts around October 2023. Over several months, they identified Loughman as a distributor who supplied methamphetamine throughout the region. Controlled purchases were conducted involving Loughman and co-conspirators James Snow of Tewkesbury, Danielle Steenbruggen of Peabody, and James Adams of Byfield (who remains an alleged participant). Authorities seized about 10 pounds of methamphetamine and four firearms during the investigation through controlled buys, vehicle stops, and search warrants.
Loughman is the third defendant to plead guilty in this case. Steenbruggen entered a guilty plea in August 2025 and was sentenced in November 2025 to 93 months in prison. Snow pleaded guilty on December 1, 2025; his sentencing is scheduled for March 5, 2026.
The charges related to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least 50 grams of methamphetamine carry a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years up to life imprisonment, five years supervised release, and fines up to $10 million. Federal judges determine sentences based on statutory guidelines.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the plea along with officials from several agencies: Thomas Greco from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; Michael J. Krol from Homeland Security Investigations; Jarod A. Forget from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Ketty Larco-Ward from the United States Postal Inspection Service; Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble from the Massachusetts State Police; and Chief Steven A. Skory from Wakefield Police Department. Additional support came from police departments in Newbury, Newburyport, Haverhill, Peabody, and Hampton (N.H.). Assistant U.S. Attorney John Dawley is prosecuting.
Authorities remind that all details within charging documents are allegations unless proven beyond reasonable doubt in court.
