New York man accused of allegedly distributing 3 kilos of fentanyl in Massachusetts store parking lots

BOSTON – A New York City man has been arrested and charged for allegedly distributing multiple kilograms of fentanyl in the greater Boston area that he transported from New York.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Justice, Cesar Nunez Lopez, 42, was charged with three counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Lopez was arrested on Dec. 13, 2024, and, following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston later that day, agreed to voluntary detention.

According to the charging documents, in November 2024, Lopez was identified as a fentanyl trafficker. On Nov. 15, 2024, in a supermarket parking lot in the greater Boston area, Lopez distributed 99.4 grams of fentanyl wrapped in a clear plastic bag inside a black sock. It is further alleged that on Nov. 25, 2024, Lopez distributed approximately 500 grams of suspected fentanyl at a store parking lot in Watertown.

On the morning of Dec. 13, 2024, Lopez allegedly travelled from New York to a parking lot in Watertown where he distributed approximately 2.5 kilograms of fentanyl inside shopping bag.

The charge of distribution and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to life 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 statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Watertown and Waltham Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steve Hassink of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.