United States Drug Enforcement Administration

BOSTON – A Dominican woman has pleaded guilty to possessing seven kilograms of fentanyl and one kilogram of fentanyl and fentanyl analogue intended for distribution.

Ana Checo, 42, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 100 grams or more of valeryl fentanyl, and one count of money laundering conspiracy. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for Dec. 7, 2023. Checo was arrested and charged in May 2021.

In 2019, Checo delivered $58,510 in drug proceeds to an undercover officer for laundering. In July 2019, a search warrant at Checo’s residence resulted in the recovery of eight kilograms of fentanyl, one of which also contained valeryl fentanyl, a fentanyl analogue. Four kilograms of tramadol, one kilogram of “2C-B,” a schedule I controlled substance and $18,325 were also seized. In addition, Checo possessed approximately 55 kilograms of suspected fentanyl and several thousand dollars at the time of her arrest.

The charge of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 100 grams or more of fentanyl analogue provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $10 million. The charge of money laundering conspiracy carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $500,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Ferguson of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.