Nathaniel Howell, 40, of Medford, faced sentencing on Thursday, May 9th for his role in a substantial narcotics operation that spanned several years. Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney revealed the details of Howell’s conviction and the significant danger he posed to the community.
Howell’s criminal saga began to unravel in November 2023 when the District Attorney’s Fentanyl Task Force initiated an investigation into his activities. What they uncovered was a troubling operation centered around his residence on Wilson Avenue in Medford, where Howell was allegedly distributing cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl.
The severity of Howell’s actions is magnified by his history. Court documents and Howell’s own admissions during his guilty plea allocution painted a picture of a repeat offender with a blatant disregard for the law. Despite being on parole for prior cocaine and illegal weapon offenses, Howell continued his illicit activities, prompting the launch of the Fentanyl Task Force’s probe.
A search warrant executed at Howell’s residence yielded shocking discoveries. Police recovered sizable quantities of dangerous substances, including 1.57 ounces of fentanyl, 2.10 ounces of heroin mixed with fentanyl, and 3.54 ounces of heroin. The cash found in his bedroom, totaling over $305,000, further underscored the scale of his illegal enterprise.
What makes Howell’s case particularly alarming is his extensive criminal history. He has accumulated seven prior felony convictions, ranging from drug possession to weapons charges, dating back to 2004. Despite repeated encounters with the justice system, Howell persisted in his criminal activities, culminating in his recent guilty plea and subsequent sentencing.
On April 4, 2024, Howell pleaded guilty to two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree, Class A felonies. This plea marked a pivotal moment in his legal saga, leading to his sentencing on May 9, 2024, where he received a 10-year prison term followed by five years of post-release supervision.
District Attorney Tierney’s remarks reflected the gravity of Howell’s actions, condemning the brokenness of the parole system that allowed such a prolific offender to continue endangering the community. The successful prosecution of Howell is a testament to the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies, including the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Fentanyl Task Force and its partners.
