Lawrence Man Charged with Fentanyl Trafficking

BOSTON – A Lawrence man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston in connection with drug trafficking activities involving fentanyl.

Cecilio Guzman, 27, was indicted on Dec. 18, 2019, on one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Guzman was previously charged by complaint and arrested by state authorities on Nov.20, 2019. He is currently in federal custody.

According to court documents, it is alleged that Guzman arranged to sell 120 grams of fentanyl to a cooperating witness for the government. On Nov. 20, 2019, Guzman met with that witness in Lawrence, sold him the fentanyl, and was subsequently arrested.

The charge of distribution and possession with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division, made the announcement today. The investigation was conducted with the assistance of the Andover, Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell, and Wilmington Police Departments. Special assistance was provided by the Essex District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Hassink of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.