A man from the Dominican Republic living illegally in Lawrence, Massachusetts, has pleaded guilty to charges of money laundering, false use of a Social Security number, and aggravated identity theft. Juan Carlos Lugo Gonzalez, also known as “Josue Cabrera,” entered his plea on December 16, 2025. U.S. District Court Chief Judge Denise J. Casper set sentencing for March 26, 2026.
Lugo Gonzalez was indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2025. He faces possible deportation after serving any sentence imposed by the court.
Authorities began investigating Lugo Gonzalez and others as early as 2020 for allegedly laundering proceeds from drug trafficking. In August 2023, following communications with undercover law enforcement officers, Lugo Gonzalez delivered about $109,715 in suspected drug proceeds to an undercover agent in Lawrence. During this exchange, he confirmed his identity using a prearranged token and discussed his involvement in trafficking multiple drugs. He also claimed control over drug activity in the Lawrence area.
In June 2023, Lugo Gonzalez used a Social Security number assigned to another person to apply for and obtain a Massachusetts identification card.
The charge of money laundering carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison, five years of supervised release, and a fine that could reach $500,000 or twice the amount laundered—whichever is greater. The misuse of a Social Security number can result in up to five years’ imprisonment and a $25,000 fine. Aggravated identity theft mandates an additional two-year prison term served consecutively with other sentences and may include up to $250,000 in fines.
“United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today.” According to officials: “Valuable assistance was provided by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations and the Massachusetts State Police.” Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alathea E. Porter and John O. Wray are prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative created under Executive Order 14159: Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF brings together federal agencies such as HSI, FBI, DEA, ATF, USMS, IRS-CI, USPIS, DOL-OIG and DSS along with state and local law enforcement partners to target criminal cartels and transnational organizations operating within or affecting U.S borders.
The HSTF focuses on dismantling organizations involved not only in drug trafficking but also human smuggling and crimes involving children; it seeks both prosecution and removal of violent criminal aliens from the United States.
Sentences will be determined based on federal guidelines governing criminal cases.
