WORCESTER MAN CONVICTED ON DRUG CHARGES
BOSTON, Mass. - A Worcester man was convicted today in federal court of attempted possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.
EFRAIN MATIAS, 39, of Worcester, was convicted by a jury sitting before U.S. District Judge F. Dennis Saylor, IV of attempted possession with the intent to distribute 22 kilograms of cocaine. Evidence presented during the two week trial established that between December of 2007and June 25, 2008, MATIAS was the target of a federal reverse sting operation. The operation culminated in the arrest of MATIAS on June 25, 2008, when he arrived at a meeting with undercover agents outside of an Auburn coffee house with nearly $215,000 in cash intending to purchase 22 kilograms of cocaine. After giving the money to the agents he was placed under arrest. In addition to finding MATIAS guilty, the jury found that the cash - nearly $215,000 - and two cars which the defendant used in connection with the crime should be forfeited to the government. Judge Saylor scheduled sentencing for May 6, 2011. MATIAS faces a minimum of 20 years and up to life in prison, to be followed by up to lifetime supervised release and an $8 million fine.
United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz and Steven W. Derr, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Boston Field Division made the announcement today. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Worcester High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Hennessy, Cory Flashner and Karin Bell of Ortiz’s Worcester office.
