United States Drug Enforcement Administration

BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston on conspiracy and distribution charges involving fentanyl.

Valentin Pujols, 35, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to time served (14 days in prison) and two years of supervised release, with the first year to be served in home detention. Pujols was also ordered to complete 100 hours of community service. On Jan. 28, 2022, Pujols pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

Pujols conspired with co-defendants Katherine Olivares-Soto and, allegedly, Maria Yovanny Soto-Diaz-Deperez to distribute fentanyl. On multiple occasions between December 2018 and February 2019, Soto-Diaz-Deperez allegedly agreed to sell quantities of fentanyl to an undercover agent. Pujols accompanied Soto-Diaz-Deperez on two occasions and distributed approximately 61 grams of fentanyl that Soto-Diaz-Deperez allegedly sold to the undercover agent. 

Olivares-Soto previously pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 15, 2022. Soto-Diaz-Deperez remains a fugitive.

“Fentanyl is causing deaths in record numbers and DEA’s top priority is to aggressively pursue anyone who distributes this poison,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “This investigation demonstrates the strength and continued commitment of our local, state and federal law enforcement partners.”

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division; Arlington Police Chief Juliann Flaherty; and Somerville Acting Police Chief Charles Femino made the announcement today. Assistance in the investigation was provided by the Boston Housing Authority Police Division and the Arlington Public Housing Authority. Assistant U.S. Attorney James E. Arnold of Rollins’ Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case. 

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