A Dominican national, Santo Alberto Baez Baez, has been charged with unlawful reentry into the United States after previously being deported. Baez Baez, who was residing in Lawrence, Massachusetts, faces federal charges related to fentanyl trafficking and firearm possession.
Baez Baez was initially arrested in June 2023 on charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Following his arrest, he was released under certain conditions but later deported in September 2023 after being ordered removed from the United States.
Investigations into multiple drug trafficking organizations distributing large quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine led to search warrants executed at several locations in Massachusetts. During a search in Lawrence, authorities allegedly found Baez Baez with a loaded revolver and fentanyl packaged for sale.
In October 2024, during a traffic stop in Andover, Massachusetts, an individual identifying as Jose Villar Baez was found to be Baez Baez through fingerprint analysis. He was released on personal recognizance by a state clerk magistrate.
On January 27, 2025, a federal arrest warrant was issued for violating pre-trial release conditions. He was subsequently arrested on January 31 at a location previously searched during his initial arrest.
The charge of unlawful reentry carries up to two years in prison and three years of supervised release. Drug-related charges could result in five to forty years imprisonment and fines up to $5 million. Possession of a firearm related to drug trafficking may add five additional years consecutively. Upon completion of any sentence imposed, deportation is expected.
The case is prosecuted by U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley along with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles Dell’Anno and Christopher Pohl from the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit.
Authorities involved include Stephen Belleau from the DEA New England Field Division; Michael J. Krol from Homeland Security Investigations; Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble from the Massachusetts State Police; supported by the U.S. Marshals Service for the District of Massachusetts and Natick Police Department.
This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative aimed at dismantling significant criminal organizations through multi-agency collaboration.
The defendant remains presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.