Two men from Malden have been indicted for allegedly conspiring to distribute cocaine. Erick Sandoval-Perez, a 43-year-old Guatemalan national residing in Malden, and Christhian Castillo, 32, also of Malden, face charges related to the distribution and possession with intent to distribute over 500 grams of cocaine. Sandoval-Perez faces an additional charge for cocaine distribution.
The two were initially charged by criminal complaint in February 2025. Castillo was detained pending further proceedings while Sandoval-Perez was released under certain conditions.
Authorities allege that Sandoval-Perez and Castillo collaborated on multiple occasions to sell cocaine to an undercover law enforcement officer. On February 12, 2025, Sandoval-Perez reportedly arranged a transaction involving one kilogram of cocaine with the undercover officer. Castillo was apprehended during the exchange, while Sandoval-Perez was arrested nearby.
If convicted, both face severe penalties. The conspiracy and distribution charges each carry potential sentences ranging from five to forty years in prison, at least four years of supervised release, and fines up to $5 million. The charge of distributing cocaine alone could result in up to twenty years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and fines reaching $1 million. Additionally, Sandoval-Perez may be deported following any sentence served.
Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge according to U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and relevant statutes.
The announcement came from 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. The Malden Police Department provided valuable assistance in this case which is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan O’Shea from the Worcester Branch Office.
It is important to note that all details within the charging documents are allegations at this stage. Both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.