Joshua Morales, a 31-year-old resident of Lawrence, pleaded guilty on March 16 in federal court in Boston to charges related to drug possession and distribution. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for June 12. Morales was charged in August of the previous year.
The case centers on an incident where law enforcement observed Morales entering a residence in Methuen, known by investigators as a suspected site for drug manufacturing and distribution. After leaving with a large orange bag, Morales drove to Lawrence, where he was apprehended. Authorities searched his vehicle and found approximately 10,000 counterfeit Percocet pills believed to contain fentanyl.
A subsequent search of the Methuen residence uncovered an automated pill press and several kilograms of counterfeit Adderall and Percocet pills suspected to contain fentanyl and methamphetamine. Investigators also recovered equipment used for pill manufacturing, including cutting agents, blenders, scales, bowls, and bags filled with powders thought to be fentanyl or methamphetamine.
The charge against Morales carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to life of supervised release, and a fine that could reach $1 million. Sentencing will be determined according to federal guidelines and statutes.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the plea along with officials from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Boston Division, Massachusetts State Police Superintendent Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, and Methuen Police Chief Scott J. McNamara. The Essex County District Attorney’s Office, Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, Peabody Police Department, Lawrence Police Department, and Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office provided assistance in the investigation.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America under the Boston Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF), which is led by the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security as part of efforts established by Executive Order 14159.
