In Salem, the Essex County Superior Court saw the arraignment of Kelvin Alvarez-Pimentel, 36, of Lawrence, on charges related to drug trafficking and firearms violations, as stated by the Office of Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker. The specific accusations against Alvarez-Pimentel include the trafficking of over 36 grams of fentanyl, two separate counts of trafficking in cocaine—with one count for over 18 grams in powdered form and another for over 36 grams in crack form—and the possession of a firearm without an identification card, as reported by the Office of Essex County District.

On October 31, 2024, the arrest was made at Alvarez-Pimentel's residence following an investigation conducted by Methuen Police Street Crimes Unit and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration during which officers discovered bags containing fentanyl and cocaine, a nine-millimeter handgun along with 50 rounds of ammunition, paraphernalia linked to drug trade and in excess of $15,000 in cash, according to the Office of Essex County District.

A grand jury indictment followed on December 12, 2024, which led to the present proceedings. At the arraignment, Assistant District Attorney Mary Eileen Spano argued for the Commonwealth and attorney William R. Sullivan, Jr. provided defense for Alvarez-Pimentel, who entered a plea of not guilty to the charges. The next step in this legal drama is a bail hearing, slated for March 18, according to court schedules, as per the Office of Essex County District.