Taunton Man Charged with Fentanyl Trafficking

A Taunton man was indicted today by a federal grand jury on Boston in connection with drug trafficking activities involving fentanyl.

Carlos Rivera, 46, was indicted on one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and three counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Rivera was previously charged by criminal complaint and arrested on Jan. 29, 2021. He has been in federal custody since his arrest.

According to court documents, between September 2020 and January 2021, Rivera and his co-conspirator engaged in four separate sales of fentanyl to a cooperating witness in Taunton.

The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. The charges of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl carry a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Taunton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen W. Hassink of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.