Ex- Lawrence School Aide Pleads To Federal Drug Charges

BOSTON, MA – A former aide for the Lawrence Public Schools pleaded guilty today in federal court to drug charges involving kilos of cocaine and thousands of oxycodone pills.

Reynaldo Sanchez, 26, of Lawrence, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to attempted possession with intent to distribute oxycodone and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for Sept. 8.

In August 2015, federal agents began investigating Sanchez for his involvement in a narcotics and money laundering organization operating in the Boston area.

During the investigation, Sanchez arranged to purchase 10–15 kilograms of cocaine for $33,000 per kilogram from undercover federal agents. Between March 29, 2016, and March 31, 2016, Sanchez sought to purchase what he believed were 4,000 oxycodone pills for $12 per pill from an undercover agent posing as a drug courier.

At the time of his arrest, Sanchez was carrying $48,000 in cash in a duffle bag and on his person. After executing a search warrant at Sanchez’s residence, agents recovered approximately 2.2 kilograms of cocaine.

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