The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts announced charges against two Malden residents, Erick Sandoval-Perez, 43, a Guatemalan national, and Christhian Castillo, 32, for their involvement in a cocaine distribution conspiracy.
Both men face serious drug trafficking charges, with Sandoval-Perez charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, and Castillo charged with distribution and possession with intent to distribute 500 or more grams of cocaine and conspiracy to commit that offense.
According to the U.S. attorney’s office, Sandoval-Perez and Castillo coordinated cocaine sales to an undercover law enforcement officer on multiple occasions. On February 12, 2025, Sandoval-Perez allegedly arranged to sell a kilogram of cocaine to the agent, and Castillo was arrested after delivering the drugs.
The charges carry significant penalties. The conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine charge could result in a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine up to $1 million. The charge of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, along with a fine of up to $5 million.
After serving any prison sentence, Sandoval-Perez faces deportation due to his immigration status. The details in the charging documents are allegations, and both men are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
