Dominican Out Of Lawrence Gets 3 Years On Conspiracy Charge

CONCORD, NH — A woman described as a citizen of the Dominican Republic who was arrested as part of a multi-agency heroin bust two years ago has been sentenced to just three years on a conspiracy charge. Maria Miguelina Lara Lara, 33, was given 36 months in prison on a single heroin trafficking conspiracy charge. Lara Lara – who has also used the aliases Maribel Santiago-Ramos, La Cuna, and Miguelina, according to the U.S. District Court – was part of an organization based out of Lawrence, MA, that delivered drugs to customers on a daily basis between October 2015, and October 2016.

Lara Lara pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, heroin, back in July 2017. Court officials noted that the investigation and prosecution of Lara Lara was part of a US DEA effort to address heroin distribution in New Hampshire.

In addition to Lara Lara’s prosecution, Alberto Guerrero Marte, 38, was sentenced to 15 years in prison; his brother Toribio Guerrero Marte was sentenced to 10 years in prison; Allison DeJesus, 19, was sentenced to five years of probation; Jonaly DeJesus, 22, was sentenced to time served and five years of supervised release; Allan Raymond Pimentel, 21, was sentenced to 57 months in prison; and Jose De la Altagracia Pimental Lara a/k/a Luis Colon, 26, was sentenced to 63 months in prison.

Michell DeJesus, 34, Santo Rodolfo Garcia Mendez, 33, Wilkin Andres Beltre Arias, 39, and Edward Garcia, 31, are all awaiting sentencing. In a related case, Mark Gagnon, 54, of Candia, was sentenced to 48 months.

“Members of the law enforcement community are working together to stop the flow of heroin and other deadly drugs into New Hampshire,” said acting-U.S. Attorney John Farley. “While we strongly support access to treatment for those suffering from addiction, those who profit from the distribution of these substances will be prosecuted aggressively.”

DEA Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Ferguson added, "The state of New Hampshire is faced with a fentanyl and heroin crisis unlike ever before. Those suffering from fentanyl and heroin addiction need treatment and recovery, but those that distribute and profit from spreading this misery need to be held accountable. This investigation demonstrates the strength and continued commitment of our local, state and federal partners and our strong relationship with the U.S. Attorney's Office."

This case is a great example of how close cooperation among federal, state and local law enforcement can successfully complement the overall fight against the devastating opioid epidemic which has tragically destroyed so many lives nationwide and throughout our region, Acting Special Agent in Charge Mike Shea, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) stated in an email.

Investigators involved in the case included the DEA, HSI, US Marshals, NHSP and MSP, as well as local police in Manchester, Lawrence, Lowell, and Methuen, and the Hillsborough County Drug Task Force.

The U.S. District Court did not release any information about Lara Lara’s immigration status or whether or not she would be deported after serving her sentence.

Image via Tony Schinella, Patch staff.