A Lawrence resident, Victor Berroa Mercedes, has admitted guilt in connection with money laundering and cocaine distribution conspiracies. The 32-year-old entered his plea before U.S. District Judge Myong J. Joun, who has set the sentencing date for September 23, 2025.
The case traces back to January 2024 when Berroa Mercedes delivered $70,000 concealed in a shopping bag as part of a drug trafficking operation to undercover law enforcement officers in Lowell. During this transaction, he confirmed the amount with a co-conspirator over the phone.
In May 2024, Berroa Mercedes attempted to acquire 32 kilograms of cocaine from a cooperating source in Woburn. When authorities moved to arrest him during this exchange, he fled but was quickly apprehended after dropping a plastic bag containing $32,800 in cash.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Leah B. Foley along with several law enforcement officials: Stephen Belleau of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England Field Division; Thomas Demeo from the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston; Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble of the Massachusetts State Police; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox. The investigation received support from various local police departments including those from Waltham, Bedford, Middleborough, Framingham, Lowell, Braintree, Haverhill and Wilmington as well as the Illinois State Police. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine Ferguson, J. Mackenzie Duane and John Mulcahy.
