Leah B. Foley United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts | Department of Justice
Lawrence Michael Nagle, Jr., a Saugus resident, was sentenced on Mar. 9 in federal court in Boston to 19 years in prison for leading a drug trafficking organization that distributed counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine and laundered the proceeds.
The sentencing follows Nagle's guilty plea in April 2025 to multiple charges, including conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and oxycodone, firearm offenses related to drug trafficking, and money laundering conspiracy. The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat the distribution of dangerous synthetic drugs and disrupt criminal organizations operating in Massachusetts.
Nagle was identified as one of the leaders of a North Shore-based drug trafficking organization along with his brother Christopher Nagle. The group distributed large quantities of controlled substances such as Adderall (including counterfeit pills containing methamphetamine), Xanax, Oxycodone (including counterfeit pills containing fentanyl), cocaine, and marijuana throughout the region. Authorities charged 27 individuals beginning in October 2022 as part of a broader investigation into the network.
Significant seizures resulted from the investigation. In January 2022, more than 74,000 counterfeit Adderall pills containing methamphetamine were recovered from Christopher Nagle’s apartment. Later searches at Lawrence Nagle’s home and associated properties led to the seizure of over 7.8 kilograms of fentanyl and more than 650 grams of methamphetamine. Two Glock firearms and ammunition were also found at his residence despite his status as a felon prohibited from possessing weapons.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the sentencing alongside officials from the Drug Enforcement Administration New England Division and Massachusetts State Police. Local police departments provided assistance during the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys K. Nathaniel Yeager, Samuel R. Feldman, and Annapurna Balakrishna prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force initiative established by Executive Order 14159 aimed at dismantling criminal cartels and transnational organizations operating within the United States.
