Lawrence Michael Nagle, Jr., a resident of Saugus, was sentenced on Mar. 9 in federal court in Boston to 19 years in prison for leading a drug trafficking organization that distributed counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine and laundered the proceeds.
The sentencing comes as part of an ongoing effort by law enforcement to address the distribution of dangerous controlled substances throughout the North Shore region. The case highlights the risks posed by counterfeit pills laced with potent drugs such as fentanyl and methamphetamine.
Nagle, Jr., age 35, received his sentence from U.S. District Court Senior Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV. He will also serve five years of supervised release following his prison term. In April 2025, Nagle pleaded guilty to multiple charges including conspiracy to distribute large quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute various controlled substances, firearm offenses related to drug trafficking, being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, and money laundering conspiracy.
Authorities identified Nagle and his brother Christopher as leaders of a network distributing pharmaceutical-grade and counterfeit pills—such as Adderall containing methamphetamine and Oxycodone containing fentanyl—as well as other drugs like cocaine and marijuana. The investigation led to significant seizures: over 74,000 counterfeit Adderall pills weighing more than 24 kilograms were found at Christopher Nagle’s apartment in January 2022; searches at Lawrence Nagle’s properties uncovered more than 7.8 kilograms of fentanyl, over 650 grams of methamphetamine, two Glock firearms with ammunition near oxycodone pills—all while he was prohibited from possessing weapons due to prior felony convictions.
In total, twenty-seven individuals have been charged since October 2022 in connection with this conspiracy. Christopher Nagle was sentenced in August 2024 to nearly twelve years (139 months) in prison.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the sentencing along with officials from the Drug Enforcement Administration New England Division and Massachusetts State Police. Several local police departments assisted in the investigation.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force initiative established by Executive Order 14159 aimed at dismantling criminal organizations operating within the United States.
