Dominican National Sentenced for Fentanyl Distribution

Yamel Cuevas Gonzalez, 35, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to 10 years in prison and five years of supervised release. Upon completion of his sentence, Gonzales will face deportation to the Dominican Republic.

On Jan. 19, 2021, Gonzalez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and three counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.

Over the course of approximately six months in 2019, Gonzalez made three separate sales of fentanyl to an individual in Massachusetts. Gonzalez drove to Massachusetts from New York and met the individual at a pre-arranged location, where they exchanged drugs for money. On August 5, 2019, Gonzalez and another individual, who is pending trial, allegedly drove from New York to Walpole to meet with a buyer. The sale was surveilled by federal agents, who subsequently arrested Gonzalez and his companion. The money from the sale was found in the vehicle.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Walpole and Dedham Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nadine Pellegrini of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.