Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Distribute Fentanyl Following His Release From Prison

BOSTON - A previously convicted felon pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to his involvement in a fentanyl distribution conspiracy.

Ruben Depina, 24, of Rockland, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams and more of fentanyl; one count of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl; and three counts of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute 40 grams and more of fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Julia E. Kobick scheduled sentencing for Nov. 12, 2024. Depina was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in September 2023 and has remained in custody since.

In May 2023, a law enforcement officer - who previously worked in an undercover capacity - received a call from Depina who introduced himself as "Jake." Depina told the officer that he recently got out of jail and was contacting his best customers because he was selling drugs again. Depina subsequently participated in four controlled sales in May and June 2023 during which he sold differing quantities of fentanyl to a confidential informant in exchange for cash. Specifically, on or about May 8, 2023, Depina sold approximately 21 grams of fentanyl to the confidential informant; on or about May 16, 2023, Depina sold at least 40 grams of fentanyl to the informant; on or about May 25, 2023, Depina sold at least 40 grams of fentanyl to the informant; and on or about June 5, 2023, Depina sold at least 40 grams of fentanyl to the informant.

On June 11, 2023, local law enforcement observed a vehicle that Depina had used to participate in some of the controlled sales with the informant speeding in East Bridgewater. The vehicle sped off after being stopped by law enforcement. While being pursued, Depina's vehicle collided with a van at an intersection. When law enforcement approached the vehicle, Depina was observed reaching towards the passenger side floor before complying with instructions to show his hands. Depina was immediately removed through the passenger side window and arrested. During a search of Depina's vehicle, a loaded firearm, multiple cellphones, a digital scale and a satchel containing at least 20 grams of cocaine base were recovered.

On June 12, 2023, during a search of a residence and loft connected to Depina, over 400 grams of fentanyl, multiple cellphones, four firearms, multiple rounds of ammunition, drug paraphernalia (including digital scales and cutting agent) and paperwork in Depina's name were recovered.

The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The charge of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. The charge of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of controlled substances, including fentanyl, provides for a sentence of up to 20 years imprisonment, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Plymouth County District Attorney's Office; the Massachusetts State Police; the Suffolk, Plymouth and Bristol County Sheriff's Departments; and the Boston, Brockton, Bridgewater, East Bridgewater, Rockland and Westport Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlin R. O'Donnell of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.