A Dominican national, formerly residing in Lawrence, Mass., has been indicted on charges related to distributing fentanyl, following his deportation last year. Angel Martinez, also known as Aneudy Rios, 44, is facing federal charges, according to an announcement by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Martinez, who had already served a federal prison sentence for drug distribution, was deported in 2023. Despite this, authorities say he unlawfully returned to the United States and was involved in the sale of fentanyl last month. This action, captured on video, resulted in his indictment by a federal grand jury in Boston for distribution of, and possession with intent to distribute, the powerful opioid.
The returning defendant is no stranger to the U.S. justice system, as he was on supervised release at the time of his recent arrest. This comes after a 2019 conviction that led to a 5-year prison sentence. The case, which is set to be heard on December 3, placed Martinez in pretrial detention by order of U.S. Magistrate Judge Jennifer C. Boal.
Martinez faces serious charges that could result in up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to one million dollars. Officials, including Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy and FBI Special Agent Jodi Cohen, attribute the case's progress to collaboration between federal and local law enforcement, specifically crediting the North Andover Police Department for their assistance. The indictment, brought by Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip C. Cheng of the Organized Crime and Gang Unit.
Under U.S. law, these charges are currently just allegations. Martinez is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a conviction in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.
