United States Drug Enforcement Administration

BOSTON – Two North Shore men have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston for their alleged roles in a conspiracy involving the distribution and manufacturing of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl and other controlled substances.

Elmidio Crisostomo, 28, of Lynnfield, and David Depena, 30, of Lynn, were indicted on one count each of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Both men were previously arrested and charged by complaint in June 2023.

It is alleged that Crisostomo and Depena used an apartment in Lynn to manufacture counterfeit pills containing fentanyl and other controlled substances. Crisostomo and Depena then allegedly distributed thousands of these pills to customers in towns including Malden and Revere. It is further alleged that, during a search of the Lynn apartment in June 2023, a large hand-crank-style press used for manufacturing pills as well as multiple kilograms of pills and powder containing fentanyl and other controlled substances were recovered.

The charge of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Lynn Police Department and the Revere Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel R. Feldman of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.