Leah B. Foley United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts | Department of Justice
A Byfield resident, James Adams, also known as “Jimmy,” pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to a methamphetamine trafficking operation in Eastern Massachusetts. The plea was entered before U.S. District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor, IV, who set sentencing for March 20, 2026.
Adams, 43, admitted 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. Authorities identified Adams as part of a larger drug ring linked to members and associates of the Unknown Bikers Motorcycle Club.
According to law enforcement officials, an investigation began in October 2023 after receiving information about significant methamphetamine distribution activities in the region. Over several months, investigators determined that Adams distributed methamphetamine throughout Eastern Massachusetts. Controlled purchases were conducted involving Adams and three co-conspirators: James Snow from Tewksbury, Danielle Steenbruggen from Peabody, and Daniel Loughman from Wakefield. During the investigation, approximately 10 pounds of methamphetamine and four firearms were seized through controlled buys, vehicle stops, and search warrants.
Adams is the fourth individual charged in this case to plead guilty. Steenbruggen pleaded guilty in August 2025 and received a sentence of 93 months in prison in November 2025. Snow pleaded guilty on December 1, 2025; his sentencing is scheduled for March 5, 2026. Loughman pleaded guilty on December 2, 2025; his sentencing is set for March 10, 2026.
The offenses carry a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years and up to life imprisonment, at least five years of supervised release, and fines up to $10 million. Sentences are determined by federal judges based on statutory guidelines.
“United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration in New England; Nicholas Bucciarelli, Acting Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service; Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Chief Steven A. Skory of the Wakefield Police Department made the announcement.” Valuable assistance was provided by local police departments including Newburyport and Haverhill. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Dawley is prosecuting the case.
