A Dominican national from Lawrence has been indicted in Boston for allegedly distributing 1,000 fentanyl pills while on federal supervised release for a previous drug trafficking conviction involving heroin and cocaine. Wagner Ismael Mejia Sanchez, also known as "Jose F. Rosario" and "Jose Majimbe," 39, faces charges of distributing and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
Mejia Sanchez was initially charged on April 1, 2025. His previous involvement in a cocaine and heroin trafficking conspiracy in 2012 led to his guilty plea in 2015, resulting in a 39-month prison sentence followed by 10 years of supervised release.
The charging documents reveal that during a January 2025 investigation into a drug trafficking organization, Mejia Sanchez was allegedly identified as a supplier of fentanyl pills to a distributor. He was observed engaging in suspected hand-to-hand drug transactions. On February 19, 2025, law enforcement orchestrated a controlled purchase from Mejia Sanchez in Lawrence, during which he allegedly distributed about 1,000 fentanyl pills.
The distribution charge for 40 grams or more of fentanyl carries a potential prison sentence of 5 to 20 years, a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $5 million. Given his prior conviction, Mejia Sanchez could face 10 years to life in prison, a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine up to $8 million. Upon completing his sentence, he is subject to deportation. Sentencing is determined by a federal district court judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Annapurna Balakrishna of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit.
This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America, a national initiative by the Department of Justice to combat illegal immigration, dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect communities from violent crime. The operation harnesses resources from the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
All details in the charging document are allegations, and Mejia Sanchez is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.