Massachusetts man sentenced to prison for drug conspiracy involving at least 136,000 counterfeit pills containing methamphetamine and fentanyl

BOSTON –A Massachusetts man was sentenced late last week in federal court in Boston for his role in a drug conspiracy involving tens of thousands of counterfeit pills containing methamphetamine and fentanyl.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Justice, 31-year-old Charles Bates was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Leo T. Sorokin to 10 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release. In August 2024, Bates pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

In August 2022, an investigation began into Bates after he ordered 50 kilograms of an orange binding agent commonly used to make counterfeit Adderall pills, which he was observed picking up at a UPS store in Boston.

Bates exchanged text messages with drug customers and associates in which he spoke about pills that are “made to order,” described being physically present at the place where the pills were made and “watching the guy work so no corners have been cut.” In addition, Bates drafted recipes for counterfeit pills that he kept on his phone or sent to others. The offense involved at least 136,000 counterfeit pills containing methamphetamine, equivalent to approximately 40 kilograms of pills. After a pill press broke, Bates traveled to Rhode Island to obtain a replacement. Bates was observed transporting a large, heavy item that appeared to be a pill press to codefendant Aaron Lenardis’ residence in Saugus. A search of Lenardis’ residence on Oct. 25, 2022, resulted in the seizure of an industrial pill press; 14 firearms including a Glock outfitted to operate as a machinegun; at least 1.85 kilograms of pills and powder containing methamphetamine; at least 87.6 grams of pills and powder containing fentanyl; and “M30” stamps commonly used to manufacture counterfeit pills.

            In November 2024, Lenardis was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and 40 grams or more of fentanyl; possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and 40 grams or more of fentanyl; and one count of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. Lenardis is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 12, 2025.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel R. Feldman of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.