A Wakefield resident has pleaded guilty to charges related to a methamphetamine trafficking operation in Eastern Massachusetts. Daniel Loughman, also known as “Swiss,” age 40, admitted guilt to one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute the same amount. U.S. District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor, IV has set sentencing for March 10, 2025.
Loughman was among four people charged in connection with a large-scale methamphetamine ring linked to members and associates of the Unknown Bikers Motorcycle Club. Authorities began investigating the group in October 2023 after receiving information about drug trafficking activities in the region. Over several months, investigators identified Loughman as a distributor who supplied methamphetamine throughout Eastern Massachusetts.
During the investigation, law enforcement conducted controlled purchases from Loughman and his co-conspirators: James Snow of Tewkesbury, Danielle Steenbruggen of Peabody, and allegedly James Adams of Byfield. The investigation led to the seizure of approximately 10 pounds of methamphetamine and four firearms through controlled buys, vehicle stops, and search warrants.
Loughman is now the third defendant in this case to plead guilty. Steenbruggen pleaded guilty in August 2025 and was sentenced in November 2025 to 93 months in prison. Snow entered a guilty plea on December 1, 2025; his sentencing is scheduled for March 5, 2026.
The charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years and up to life imprisonment, at least five years of supervised release, and fines that could reach $10 million. Sentencing will be determined by a federal judge according to statutory guidelines.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the plea along with officials from multiple agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; Homeland Security Investigations; Drug Enforcement Administration; United States Postal Inspection Service; Massachusetts State Police; Wakefield Police Department; as well as local police departments from Newbury, Newburyport, Haverhill, Peabody and Hampton (N.H.). Assistant U.S. Attorney John Dawley is prosecuting the case.
Authorities noted that all details contained in charging documents are allegations at this stage and that any remaining defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.