Two individuals pleaded guilty in federal court for their roles in a drug trafficking organization that brought cocaine and fentanyl into New Hampshire, United States Attorney Erin Creegan announced on Aug. 4.
Jose Cordero Ortiz, 40, of Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty to one count of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Drug. He is scheduled to be sentenced on December 9, 2026. Jhonattan A. Jimemenz, 39, of Boston, Massachusetts, also pleaded guilty to one count of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Drug and is scheduled for sentencing on November 12, 2026.
The charging statute allows for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $1 million. Sentences are determined by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and relevant statutes.
According to documents and statements made in court, the leader of the organization was Juan Ramon Soto Baez, who was sentenced on July 1, 2025, to 100 months in prison with three years supervised release for his role. The group operated using “dispatch” telephone lines where customers could order narcotics by phone; Soto Baez or another member would then deliver drugs directly or send someone else as arranged. In addition to Soto Baez, Ortiz and Jimemenz, more than ten others have been convicted as part of this operation.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation with assistance from the Manchester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cesar Vega is prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force initiative established by Executive Order 14159: Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The task force coordinates law enforcement efforts against criminal cartels and transnational organizations operating within or outside U.S. borders.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire enhances community well-being by enforcing federal laws and safeguarding residents; it functions under direction from the United States Attorney General; handles prosecutions involving federal crimes and civil cases involving government interests; serves through representation in federal courts; builds alliances with law enforcement agencies at all levels; and operates as a federal law enforcement entity according to its official website.