Bean Town Times

A Lowell man, Jorge Manuel "Manny" Huertas, 46, has been apprehended in connection with a conspiracy involving the distribution and possession of fentanyl and methamphetamine. Huertas faces charges for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute over 40 grams of fentanyl and more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. His initial court appearance is scheduled for today in Boston's federal court.

The charging document indicates that Huertas allegedly distributed counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl and counterfeit Adderall pills containing methamphetamine to a confidential source. Authorities executed search warrants at his residence as well as those of his associates earlier this morning.

The charge carries a minimum sentence of five years imprisonment, potentially extending up to 40 years, alongside at least four years of supervised release and a maximum fine reaching $5 million. Sentences are determined by a federal district court judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes relevant to criminal cases.

The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration; and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Boston Division. The Lowell Police Department and Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office also contributed significantly. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Panich from the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is handling the prosecution.

It is important to note that these details are part of an indictment which contains allegations; Huertas remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in a legal setting.