Feds Catch Stoughton Drug Dealer In A Pinch

STOUGHTON, MA — A Stoughton man pleaded guilty in federal court Tuesday after prosecutors said he sold 100 grams of fentanyl to an undercover federal agent. Prosecutors told the Brockton Enterprise the agent posed as a commercial fisherman and offered the man lobster to gain his trust.

Matthew Pizarro, 30, was convicted of two counts of distributing fentanyl, one count of distributing 40 or more grams of fentanyl and one count of possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine.

In July 2018, federal agents began investigating an overdose death and said the victim got fentanyl through a friend who bought it from Pizarro. An agent went undercover as a commercial fishereman and bought about 100 grams of fentanyl over a month-long investigation, prosecutors said. Prosecutors said the agent offered Pizarro lobsters as a gesture of good will to earn his trust.

Pizarro was arrested on August 7, 2018. Police searched his house and said they found 45 grams of crack cocaine, 20 grams of powered cocaine, a handgun and ammunition.

The fentanyl distribution charges carry a potential prison sentence of five-to-40 years. Because Pizarro has a prior drug conviction, Pizarro will face at least a 10-year sentence and could be imprisoned for life with an $8 million fine.

Pizarro is due back in court for sentencing Feb. 20.