A Boston man, Juan Ramon Soto Baez, has been sentenced to 100 months in federal prison for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy involving fentanyl and cocaine distribution in New Hampshire. U.S. District Court Judge Samantha Elliott delivered the sentence following Soto Baez’s guilty plea in February to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
Soto Baez was among 21 defendants charged in April 2023, with 15 convictions secured so far. Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack commented on the case: “The defendant led a major drug trafficking organization in our region, pumping deadly narcotics into our communities and profiting off of addiction.” He added that the sentence would prevent further harm from methamphetamine and fentanyl.
Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division, stated that Soto Baez had trafficked drugs into New Hampshire neighborhoods for over four years, contributing to a high number of drug-related deaths. “This lengthy prison sentence removes this career criminal from the streets,” he said.
Court records revealed that Soto Baez led a Massachusetts-based operation distributing large amounts of drugs primarily in Manchester from September 2019 to April 2023. The organization used “dispatch” telephone lines for orders, which were fulfilled by Soto Baez or his associates.
Investigations recorded numerous sales and discovered $15,000 and drug ledgers during a residence search linked to the conspiracy. A vehicle associated with the organization contained approximately 94 grams of fentanyl and 196 grams of cocaine packaged for sale.
The investigation was spearheaded by the FBI and DEA with support from the Manchester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Kennedy prosecuted the case.
This sentencing is part of Operation Take Back America, an initiative focused on combating illegal immigration and dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations through resources like OCDETFs and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
