Dominican National Faces 10+ Years in Prison After East Millinocket Traffic Stop Reveals 113 Grams of Methamphetamine, Other Drugs

BANGOR, Maine: A man from the Dominican Republic pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Bangor to possessing controlled substances with intent to distribute.

According to court records, in November 2023, Lenin Nova-Nova, 42, was a passenger in a vehicle that was stopped by the East Millinocket Police Department due to an issue with the headlights. An officer observed an unnatural bulge under Nova-Nova’s clothing. Nova-Nova identified himself using a false name, and a warrant check of that alias revealed an outstanding warrant for arrest. A search of Nova-Nova’s person revealed $1,305 in cash, four cell phones, and suspected controlled substances wrapped in cellophane. Analysis identified the substances as approximately 113 grams of 100% pure methamphetamine, approximately 19 grams of a substance containing fentanyl, and 57.8 grams of a substance containing cocaine base. Homeland Security Investigations was able to determine Nova-Nova’s identity.

Nova-Nova faces a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million to be followed by supervised release for up to life. Nova-Nova will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The East Millinocket Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case.

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