News Release
For Immediate Release:
December 17, 2009
Contact: Special Agent Tony Pettigrew
Number: 617-557-2138

Boston City Hall Employee Charged With Drug Distribution

DEC 17 -- (Boston, MA) - An East Boston man was charged today in federal court with distribution of OxyContin and marijuana.

Steven W. Derr, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Boston Field Division and United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz, announced today that JOHN M. FORBES, age 31, of East Boston, was charged in an Indictment with one count of distribution of OxyContin and one count of distribution of marijuana. FORBES is employed by the City of Boston as a neighborhood coordinator for East Boston.

If convicted on the OxyContin charge, FORBES faces up to 20 years imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $1,000,000 fine. If convicted on the marijuana charge, FORBES faces up to 5 years imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.