A Lawrence resident originally from the Dominican Republic has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to fentanyl distribution. Hector Santana Guzman, also known as “DJ Black,” admitted to two counts of distributing and possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute. The plea was entered before United States District Judge Patti B. Saris, who set sentencing for December 10, 2025.
Authorities say that during an investigation into the 18th Street Gang, a transnational criminal organization, Santana Guzman met with a cooperating witness on two occasions in June 2024 to sell fentanyl. On June 6, he sold about 50 grams of powder fentanyl; later that month, on June 25, he sold approximately 70 grams.
The offense carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to life on supervised release, and a fine that could reach $1 million. Sentencing will be determined by the federal district court judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and relevant statutes.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the plea along with Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Boston Division; and Bryan DiGirolamo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. They acknowledged assistance from multiple agencies including Massachusetts State Police; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations; Suffolk County and Middlesex County District Attorney’s Offices; as well as police departments from Boston, Chelsea, Everett, Falmouth, Lynn, Medford, Nantucket and Revere.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred Wyshak from the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
The prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation aimed at identifying and dismantling major criminal organizations through coordinated efforts across agencies. More information about OCDETF can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
