Two men from Malden have been arrested for allegedly conspiring to distribute cocaine. Erick Sandoval-Perez, 43, a Guatemalan national residing in Malden, faces charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine. Christhian Castillo, 32, also from Malden, is charged with distribution and possession with intent to distribute 500 or more grams of cocaine and conspiracy to commit that offense.
Both individuals had initial appearances and a detention hearing in federal court in Worcester. They were ordered held pending further proceedings.
The two men allegedly collaborated to sell cocaine on several occasions to an undercover law enforcement officer. On February 12, 2025, Sandoval-Perez reportedly arranged the sale of a kilogram of cocaine to an undercover agent. Castillo was apprehended while allegedly delivering the cocaine, and Sandoval-Perez was arrested nearby.
Court records indicate that Sandoval-Perez is a Guatemalan national who was previously deported from the United States and allegedly re-entered illegally.
The charge against Sandoval-Perez carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million. The charges against Castillo could result in a sentence ranging from five years to 40 years in prison, supervised release of at least four years, and fines up to $5 million. Upon completion of any imposed sentence, Sandoval-Perez may face deportation proceedings.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration's New England Field Division; Chief Ryan Malatos of the Leominster Police Department; and Chief Brian W. Coyne of the Clinton Police Department announced these developments today. The Malden Police Department provided valuable assistance in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan O’Shea from the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting.
It is important to note that the details contained within the charging documents are allegations at this stage. The defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.