BOSTON – A Lowell man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for distributing fentanyl and cocaine base (crack cocaine). Gino Hem, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 66 months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release. In June 2026, Hem pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base; one count of possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base; and three counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, including fentanyl. The defendant was arrested and charged in October 2025 and has remained in federal custody since. On four separate occasions between July 14, 2025 and Oct. 3, 2025, Hem met cooperating witnesses and an undercover officer in Lowell to sell them crack cocaine and fentanyl. Hem filled orders from the cooperating witnesses and undercover officer for “fingers” of “brown,” i.e., fentanyl, and quantities of “hard,” i.e., cocaine base. On a fifth date, on Oct. 22, 2025, the undercover officer ordered two ounces of “hard” from Hem. He was taken into custody upon arriving at the agreed upon drug deal location. During a search, more than two ounces (53 grams) of cocaine base were found hidden inside Hem’s underwear. Hem was also carrying $2,632 cash.
Hem has multiple prior convictions for state and federal crimes, including federal convictions for Distribution of Heroin and Dealing in Firearms without a License in 2016, for which he was sentenced to nearly four years in federal prison. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred M. Wyshak, III of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.