A Southbridge man has entered a guilty plea within the walls of the federal court in Worcester, accepting his role in a cocaine distribution network that plagued Central Massachusetts. Eric Rivera, a 33-year-old, admitted to one count relating to conspiracy to distribute cocaine, setting the stage for his sentencing, which U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman has scheduled for November 12. This development comes after an indictment in November 2024 that also named alleged co-conspirators Luis Sastre Pagan and Miguel Lopez, as per the U.S. Attorney’s Office announcement.
Documents reveal that from April 2023 to April 2024, Rivera conspiratorially engaged to illegally funnel substantial quantities of cocaine into the region. He was noted to have provided “drop addresses” for drug parcels and proceeded to drive them directly to traffickers in Springfield. Authorities intercepted four such drug-laden packages throughout their inquiry, all containing significant amounts of cocaine. Notably, one seized package, addressed to Rivera in February 2023, harbored a hefty three kilograms of the narcotic. Between 15 to 50 kilograms of cocaine are attributable to Rivera, evidencing his deep involvement in the distribution ring.
While Rivera has conceded to his part in the conspiracy, his alleged partners in this drug trade, Pagan and Lopez, maintain their innocence and await their day in court. The charges they face carry grave potential consequences – up to 20 years behind bars, a minimum three-year stretch under supervised release, and fines towering as high as $1 million. Yet, despite these looming sentences, it is made clear by the announcement, these details held in the accusations are yet just that, allegations until their guilt is established beyond reasonable doubt in a judicial proceeding…