Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

BOSTON – A Dominican national was convicted of trafficking heroin today in federal court in Boston.

 

Elin Robinson Mejia Romero, 52, a Dominican national formerly residing in Hyde Park, was convicted by a federal jury of conspiracy to possess heroin and more than 40 grams of fentanyl, two counts of possession with intent to distribute heroin, one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl. Romero previously pleaded guilty to a separate federal charge of illegally re-entering the country after being deported.

 

On five occasions between January 2017 and June 2017, Romero sold a total of over 100 grams of heroin and/or fentanyl to a cooperating witness. Federal agents recorded each transaction and laboratory results confirmed that the drugs were heroin and fentanyl. An additional 300 grams of fentanyl and other drug distributing paraphernalia were recovered during the search of a stash location in Hyde Park.     

 

In 2008, Romero was convicted in federal court in Boston of conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and five kilograms or more of cocaine. He was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison and was deported to the Dominican Republic after completing his sentence.

 

Romero faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, a minimum of eight years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $8 million.  Romero will be subject to deportation upon completion of his sentence. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

 

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division; and Mickey D. Leadingham, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. Assistance was also provided by Customs and Border Protection and the Attleboro Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley and Lauren Graber of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit are prosecuting the case.