Dominican National Who Led Methuen-Based Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to More than 8 Years in Federal Prison

CONCORD - A leader of a Massachusetts-based drug trafficking organization was sentenced yesterday in federal court for drug trafficking in New Hampshire, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

Jose Luis Guerrero Nunez, 47, an illegal alien from the Dominican Republic, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Court Judge Samantha Elliott to 100 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. Guerrero Nunez served as a leader in a Methuen, Massachusetts based drug trafficking organization that was distributing large quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl in the New Hampshire seacoast area. In late 2023 and early 2024, he organized 10 controlled purchases of fentanyl and methamphetamine with undercover law enforcement officers. He also was recorded by undercover officers making plans for larger distributions in the future. Four of Guerrero Nunez's co-conspirators, Juan Carlos De Los Santos Romero, Carlos Alejandro Chevalier Santos, Eddy Mendez Carmona, and Luis Guerrero Cabral, have already been prosecuted and sentenced in this matter.

Guerrero Nunez previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, including methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl.

"The defendant led an organization that trafficked large quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine and fentanyl into New Hampshire and will now be spending significant time behind bars," said U.S. Attorney Creegan. "We will continue to work with our state, local and federal law enforcement partners to identify, prosecute and disrupt the illicit drug trade and criminal networks infiltrating our state with these dangerous substances."

"This individual led a significant drug trafficking organization that flooded communities along New Hampshire's Seacoast with dangerous quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl, putting countless lives at risk," said Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget, New England Field Division. "His sentence of more than eight years in federal prison sends a clear message that those who profit from distributing these deadly drugs will be held accountable. DEA and our law enforcement partners remain committed to dismantling drug trafficking organizations and protecting our communities from the devastating consequences of drug trafficking."

The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation. The Seabrook Police Department, Hampton Police Department, Portsmouth Police Department, Methuen Police Department, and the New Hampshire State Police provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Vicinanzo and Yasir Sadat prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.