A Lawrence man has been sentenced in federal court for leading a drug trafficking organization involved in distributing fentanyl, fentanyl analogue, and cocaine. Joseph Correa, 35, received an 18-year prison sentence followed by five years of supervised release. In November 2024, Correa admitted guilt to several charges including conspiracy to distribute large quantities of drugs, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, illegal firearm possession related to drug trafficking, and money laundering conspiracy.
Correa was a key figure in a long-term investigation targeting a network of fentanyl and cocaine distributors operating around Lawrence. The investigation revealed that Correa sourced fentanyl locally and collaborated with co-defendants Jose Martinez and Luis Martinez to procure wholesale amounts of cocaine from Puerto Rico for distribution in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Correa’s operation included employing associates to store, process, and distribute drugs on his behalf. Wiretaps captured Correa discussing drug distribution and firearms use. Alongside co-defendant Mayi Rosario, he engaged in laundering drug proceeds through various financial transactions.
The investigation led to the seizure of fluorofentanyl, fentanyl, cocaine, and drug proceeds from Correa and his associates. On December 15, 2021, Correa was arrested in Caguas, Puerto Rico while possessing a loaded firearm modified into an automatic weapon.
Jose Martinez received a 90-month prison sentence in May 2024 followed by four years of supervised release. Luis Martinez was sentenced to five years in prison with four years of supervised release in February 2025. Rosario was sentenced to 30 months imprisonment with one year of home detention followed by additional supervised release.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Leah B. Foley along with Michael J. Krol from Homeland Security Investigations New England and Stephen Belleau from the Drug Enforcement Administration New England Field Division. Assistance came from several law enforcement agencies including the Lawrence Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
This case is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative aimed at dismantling significant criminal organizations through collaborative efforts across multiple agencies.
