Joseph Correa of Lawrence, Massachusetts, recently learned just how steep the penalties can be for drug conspiracy and related offenses. On June 6, 2025, Correa was sentenced in federal court to 18 years in prison and five years of supervised release after pleading guilty to leading a large-scale drug trafficking organization. Correa’s crimes included distributing fentanyl, fentanyl analogue, and cocaine; possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking; and laundering drug proceeds through financial transactions. His operation spanned Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Puerto Rico, relying on a network of co-defendants and uncharged co-conspirators to move drugs, launder money, and maintain firepower.
Federal authorities treat drug conspiracies that involve interstate or international trafficking, firearms, and money laundering with extreme seriousness. A conviction for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances like fentanyl or cocaine can result in a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, especially when large quantities are involved. When firearms are used to support drug trafficking activities, an additional consecutive sentence—often five years or more—is typically imposed. Money laundering, meanwhile, can carry up to 20 years in prison per count, depending on the scale and methods used.
Correa’s co-defendants also received significant penalties, including prison terms ranging from 30 months to 90 months and supervised release. This reflects the federal government’s ongoing commitment to dismantling large-scale drug operations through multi-agency task forces like the OCDETF Strike Force Initiative. These joint efforts bring together federal, state, and local law enforcement to track and prosecute the highest-level offenders across jurisdictional lines.
For individuals charged with similar offenses, the consequences are life-altering. If you or someone you know is facing allegations of drug conspiracy, illegal possession of firearms, or money laundering, it is critical to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. These cases involve complex federal statutes and require a strategic defense that addresses both the legal and factual issues at hand. Don’t face these charges alone. Contact our award-winning team today at 617-880-6155
