A Wakefield resident has pleaded guilty to charges related to a methamphetamine trafficking operation in Eastern Massachusetts. Daniel Loughman, also known as “Swiss,” age 40, admitted guilt to one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute the same amount. U.S. District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV has set sentencing for March 10, 2025.
Loughman was among four individuals charged in connection with what authorities described as a large-scale methamphetamine trafficking ring run by members and associates of the Unknown Bikers Motorcycle Club.
According to investigators, law enforcement began looking into the activities of a significant methamphetamine supplier in Eastern Massachusetts around October 2023. Over several months, they identified Loughman as someone distributing methamphetamine across the region. Authorities carried out controlled purchases from Loughman and his co-conspirators: James Snow of Tewkesbury, Danielle Steenbruggen of Peabody, and allegedly James Adams of Byfield. The investigation led to the seizure of about 10 pounds of methamphetamine and four firearms through controlled buys, vehicle stops, and search warrants.
Loughman is now the third defendant in this case to plead guilty. Steenbruggen entered a guilty plea in August 2025 and was sentenced in November 2025 to 93 months in prison. Snow pleaded guilty on December 1, 2025; his sentencing is scheduled for March 5, 2026.
The charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and up to life imprisonment, along with five years supervised release and a fine that could reach $10 million. Sentencing decisions are made by federal judges based on guidelines and statutes relevant to criminal cases.
“United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration in New England; Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service; Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Chief Steven A. Skory of the Wakefield Police Department made the announcement.” The investigation received support from police departments in Newbury, Newburyport, Haverhill, Peabody and Hampton (N.H.). Assistant U.S. Attorney John Dawley is prosecuting.
The charging documents contain allegations only; any remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
