A Lawrence resident has been found guilty of participating in a drug trafficking conspiracy involving methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine. Jose Dolores Batista, 65, was convicted on November 20, 2025, following a four-day jury trial. Sentencing will take place at a later date before U.S. Senior District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV.
Batista, who worked as a taxi driver, acted as a courier for a drug trafficking organization that distributed significant quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Prosecutors said he delivered drugs, transported members of the organization, and collected payments from customers daily.
During the trial, evidence showed that Batista made several trips to pick up drugs and money. On one occasion, he collected $8,000 as partial payment for a kilogram of fentanyl. He also traveled to South Lawrence to obtain a kilogram of cocaine and then drove it to Boston in exchange for $15,000. In another instance, Batista went to Lowell to pick up 350 grams of fentanyl.
The charge carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are determined by federal judges based on sentencing guidelines and relevant statutes.
“United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration in New England; and Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Natick, Newton, Waltham and Brookline Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles Dell’Anno and J. Mackenzie Duane of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit are prosecuting the case.”
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation that focuses on disrupting major criminal organizations through coordinated efforts among multiple agencies. More information about OCDETF is available at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
