United States of America v. Geudin Nivar Baez, a/k/a Jhonatan Mateo

Concord, NH - Lawrence Man Pleads Guilty to Participating in A Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl



Geudin Nivar Baez, a/k/a/ Jhonatan Mateo, 31, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty in federal court on Wednesday to participating in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.



According to court documents and statements make in court, in May of 2018, Nivar’s co-defendant Santo Benito Lara participated in a conspiracy to sell fentanyl to a customer in Salem, New Hampshire. After the DEA received information about the conspiracy, it began an investigation into Lara’s activities. Between May and September of 2018, Nivar and Lara sold fentanyl in Lawrence to a cooperating individual on multiple occasions.



Lara was found guilty by a jury on May 10, 2019 and is scheduled to be sentenced on August 27, 2019. Nivar is scheduled to be sentenced on August 27, 2019.



“Interstate fentanyl traffickers facilitate the sale of a lethal drug in New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Close cooperation by law enforcement agencies operating in both New Hampshire and Massachusetts is necessary to address this problem. We will continue to coordinate efforts to identify and prosecute those who are responsible for distributing this deadly drug in the Granite State.”



This m1:18-cr-00182-JLatter was investigated by the DEA, with assistance from the New Hampshire State Police and the Essex County (MA) Sheriff’s Department.

Charge:

21 U.S.C. §§ 846,841(a) & (b)(l)(A)(vi) - Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances

(1)

05/15/2019 Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Joseph N. Laplante: In Chambers Conference as to Geudin Navar Baez held on 5/15/2019. Counsel stipulate that the spelling of defendant's name is Geudin Nivar Baez. (Govt Atty: Jared Hodes, AUSA) (Defts Atty: Paul Garrity, Esq.)(Total Hearing Time: 10 minutes)(CJA Time: 30 minutes) (cmp) (Entered: 05/15/2019)

05/15/2019 Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Joseph N. Laplante: CHANGE OF PLEA HEARING held on 5/15/2019 as to Geudin Nivar Baez (2) Guilty as to Count 1. Defendant sworn and advised of rights/charge(s). No objection to offer of proof. Court accepts guilty plea. Interpreter: Carrie Lilley. (Court Reporter: Brenda Hancock) (Govt Atty: Jared Hodes, AUSA) (Defts Atty: Paul Garrity, Esq.)(Total Hearing Time: 45 minutes)(CJA Time: 50) (cmp) (Entered: 05/15/2019)

05/15/2019 NOTICE OF HEARING as to Geudin Nivar Baez. Interpreter Carrie Lilley has been scheduled. Sentencing set for 8/27/2019 at 01:30 PM before Judge Joseph N. Laplante.The court has allotted 1 hour for the hearing. Please contact the court immediately if you anticipate the hearing will exceed the allotted time. Any motion seeking a departure or variance, as well as any sentencing memorandum, shall be filed 10 days prior to the sentencing date. Any response shall be filed 4 days prior to sentencing date.(cmp) (Entered: 05/15/2019)