Massachusetts Man Who Attempted to Traffick Fentanyl to Maine by Taxi Sentenced to 44 Months in Prison

Press Release

Jose Alfredo Mercedes Botello observed hiding package under front seat

PORTLAND, Maine: A man from Lawrence, Massachusetts was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

U.S. District Judge Jon D. Levy sentenced Jose Alfredo Mercedes Botello, 22, to 44 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Botello pleaded guilty on November 27, 2023.

According to court records, in March 2022, FBI agents and local law enforcement in Lebanon conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle bearing Massachusetts livery plates. During the stop, the vehicle's passenger was observed reaching to the floor where agents later recovered a cellophane-wrapped package under the front passenger seat. The contents of the package were confirmed to be fentanyl. The hired driver of the vehicle stated that he had picked up Botello in Lawrence, Mass. and had been instructed to drive him to Maine.

An FBI investigation revealed that Botello planned to distribute the fentanyl to an individual in Maine.

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Updated April 19, 2024