WORCESTER - A local man pleaded guilty on Friday in federal court in Worcester to what prosecutors say was a wide-ranging drug trafficking conspiracy.
Jonathan Villot, 31, of Fitchburg, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base, and 500 grams or more of cocaine. A grand jury indicted Villot in July 2020 with 17 others, including his brother Pedro Villot-Santiago.
U.S. Senior District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman scheduled sentencing for June 15.
According to federal prosecutors, a fatal fentanyl overdose in September 2018 led to an investigation into a drug trafficking organization in the Fitchburg area. Starting in July 2019, controlled purchases and intercepted communications led investigators to believe Villot was a cocaine distributor.
During the investigation, investigators seized over 1.8 kilograms of a heroin and fentanyl mixture, over 3.6 kilograms of cocaine and over 50 grams of cocaine base. They also seized a stolen handgun, drug manufacturing equipment and over $376,000.
Villot is the 15th defendant convicted in the case by guilty plea or trial.
