A Massachusetts man has admitted guilt in a federal court for his involvement in a fentanyl distribution conspiracy, as announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack. Hamet Badia, aged 29, from Lawrence, pleaded guilty to a single count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Landya B. McCafferty has set the sentencing date for June 30, 2025.
Court documents and statements reveal that between February 9 and June 2, 2022, Badia acted as a drug runner for his co-defendant. The co-defendant engaged in negotiations with an undercover agent to sell fentanyl powder and pressed oxycodone pills. Badia was instructed to deliver these drugs. On one occasion, on June 2, 2022, the undercover agent arranged to buy 400 grams of fentanyl and 200 oxycodone pills laced with fentanyl from the co-defendant. Badia arrived at the meeting point via rideshare and delivered a green shoebox containing the drugs. During this conspiracy period, Badia delivered a total of 466.7 grams of fentanyl.
The law under which Badia is charged allows for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $1 million. Federal district court judges determine sentences based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes relevant to criminal cases.
The Drug Enforcement Administration spearheaded the investigation with significant support from the Hampton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen is handling the prosecution.