Source: Office of United States Attorneys
BOSTON – A Dominican national residing in Lawrence has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston for allegedly distributing 1,000 fentanyl pills while on federal supervised release for a prior drug trafficking conviction involving heroin and cocaine.
Wagner Ismael Mejia Sanchez, a/k/a “Jose F. Rosario,” a/k/a “Jose Majimbe,” 39, was indicted on one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Mejia Sanchez was previously arrested and charged by criminal complaint on April 1, 2025.
In 2012, Mejia Sanchez was among 10 individuals charged by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in connection with a cocaine and heroin trafficking conspiracy. He subsequently pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy and, in 2015, was sentenced to 39 months in prison and 10 years of supervised release.
According to the charging documents, during an investigation into a drug trafficking organization in January 2025, Mejia Sanchez was allegedly identified as a drug supplier who provided fentanyl pills to a distributor and was also observed engaging in suspected hand-to-hand drug transactions. It is alleged that law enforcement subsequently arranged for a controlled purchase from Mejia Sanchez on Feb. 19, 2025 in Lawrence, during which he allegedly distributed approximately 1,000 fentanyl pills (with a net weight of 96.2 grams) while on federal supervised release.
The charge of distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a sentence of at least five and up to 20 years in prison, at least four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. Because of the prior conviction, Mejia Sanchez may face a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least eight years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $8 million. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Annapurna Balakrishna of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting this case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.