A Lawrence man has admitted guilt in a case involving the distribution of cocaine, joining two others who have also pleaded guilty. Leonardo Lara, 44, confessed to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, specifically involving five kilograms or more of cocaine. U.S. District Judge Allison D. Burroughs has set his sentencing for May 29, 2025.
Co-defendants Merced Navarro Morfin, 44, from Lunenberg, and Leandro Martinez, 43, from Lawrence had previously entered guilty pleas related to the same conspiracy charge. Navarro Morfin also admitted to an additional charge of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Their sentencings are scheduled for May 6 and May 7, respectively.
The three individuals were indicted by a federal grand jury on August 3, 2023. The investigation revealed that in April 2022 Lara possessed $230,000 in drug proceeds intended for Mexico. On April 20 of that year, Lara was stopped on Interstate-84 in Sturbridge where approximately $40,000 was discovered hidden in baby-wipe containers in his vehicle's trunk. Shortly after this stop concluded, Martinez and Navarro Morfin were seen traveling to Lara’s residence where they removed eight kilograms of cocaine. An additional kilogram of cocaine and around $196,000 in cash were found in their car.
The charge concerning the distribution of five kilograms or more of cocaine carries a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years up to life imprisonment and includes at least five years supervised release plus a fine potentially reaching $10 million. Other charges may result in up to twenty years imprisonment with at least three years supervised release and fines up to $1 million.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley along with Stephen Belleau from the Drug Enforcement Administration announced these developments while acknowledging support from the Massachusetts State Police. Assistant United States Attorneys Samuel R. Feldman and Katherine Ferguson are handling prosecution duties.
This case is part of efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), which aims to identify and dismantle major criminal organizations through a collaborative approach involving multiple agencies.