A Dominican Republic citizen residing at the Quality Inn Hotel in Revere, Massachusetts, has been charged in a federal court in Boston. The charges against Leonardo Andujar Sanchez, 28, include possession with intent to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl and being an alien unlawfully possessing a firearm.
Andujar Sanchez was arrested following a search on December 27, 2024, during which authorities allegedly found five kilograms of suspected fentanyl, an AR-style assault rifle, ammunition, two rifle magazines, digital scales, and latex gloves in his hotel room. He is currently held in state custody on related charges and will make an initial appearance in federal court.
The charge of possession with intent to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl carries a potential sentence of up to life imprisonment, at least five years of supervised release, a mandatory minimum of ten years, and fines reaching $10 million. The unlawful possession of a firearm charge could result in up to 15 years imprisonment, three years supervised release, and fines up to $250,000. Sentences are determined by a federal district court judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes.
United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Stephen Belleau from the Drug Enforcement Administration's New England Field Office; and James M. Ferguson from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives' Boston Field Division announced the charges. Assistance came from the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and the Revere Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Panich is handling the prosecution.
It is important to note that these details are allegations as outlined in charging documents. The defendant remains presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.