A Dominican national residing in Boston has been sentenced for fentanyl distribution. Santo Rafael Franco Andujar, previously identified as "John Doe," received an 11-year prison term followed by five years of supervised release. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani delivered the sentence following Franco Andujar's November 2024 conviction for distributing and possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute.
The case against Franco Andujar stemmed from incidents in June and July 2021, when he sold over 100 grams of fentanyl to a cooperating witness in Lawrence. These transactions were documented on recording devices. In September 2021, law enforcement arrested Franco Andujar while he was in possession of more than 100 grams of fentanyl. During the investigation, authorities observed him traveling to a Boston apartment before selling fentanyl to the witness. A search warrant executed at this location led to the discovery of over a kilogram of fentanyl concealed inside a wall.
Initially charged under a pseudonym due to his use of a stolen identity, Franco Andujar revealed his true identity post-conviction. He is a Dominican national illegally present in the United States and has agreed to provide full and accurate information to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for deportation eligibility assessment.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration New England Field Division, announced the sentencing. The Lawrence Police Department provided crucial support in the case handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared C. Dolan and Lauren A. Graber.