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Eight Charged for Fentanyl, Heroin Distribution Conspiracy

By Tom Marino | November 22, 2019
Last Updated: March 23, 2021
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The U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) in Massachusetts has announced charges against eight individuals from Gardner and Fitchburg for charges related to distribution of fentanyl, heroin and cocaine.

The USAO called the charges the result of a “wide-ranging fentanyl, heroin and cocaine trafficking conspiracy.”

All eight were charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and cocaine base.

  • Pedro Baez, 50, Fitchburg
  • Anthony Baez, 31, Fitchburg
  • Amanda Ford, 33, Fitchburg
  • Monica Troche, 27, Fitchburg
  • Branny Taveras, 37, Fitchburg
  • Shastaalena Blair, 39, Fitchburg
  • Jessica Hughes 28, Gardner
  • Valerie Lucier, 30, Fitchburg

Anthony Baez and Monica Troche also face various drug possession and distribution charges.

Seven of those named were arrested on Thursday. Jessica Hughes is already incarcerated by the state and will be transferred into federal custody.

The conspiracy to distribute charge carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. Due to a previous conviction for drug trafficking, Pedro Baez faces an enhanced mandatory minimum.


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