Man sentenced to 2 1/2 years for selling meth out of his Back Bay condo

A federal judge in Boston today sentenced Cory Goldberg, 47, to 30 months in federal prison on several counts related to the sale of meth he pleaded guilty to in September, 2020, the US Attorney's office reports.

According to the US Attorney's office:

In August 2019, investigators became aware that Goldberg was distributing crystal methamphetamine to customers in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, some of whom were then reselling the drugs to retail customers. On three different dates between Aug. 23, 2019 and Sept. 18, 2019, Goldberg sold between one and two ounces of methamphetamine to a cooperating witness. These sales all took place in Goldberg’s Back Bay condominium. During a search of Goldberg’s residence in October 2019, investigators seized approximately 39.2 grams of 97% pure methamphetamine from the kitchen and approximately 246.6 grams of 100% pure methamphetamine from a safe in Goldberg’s bedroom.

Prosecutors had recommended a sentence of 52 months - which they said was less than sentencing guidelines would have allowed, because while distributing meth is a menace to society:

[T[he Government recognizes that this case is unusual. Goldberg is not a "typical" drug trafficker. He is 47 years old, and this conviction marks his first and only interaction with the criminal justice system. The Government's sentencing recommendation further seeks to account for the fact that Goldberg (who was gainfully employed and making over $100,000 per year from that employment) was severely addicted to methamphetamine and has significant mental health issues. Since his arrest, Goldberg appears to have taken strides to address the deficits in his life in a positive manner.

Goldberg's studio, on Beacon Street near Dartmouth Street, is one of the Back Bay's least pricey units - assessed by the city at just $393,400. Then again, it's a 300-square-foot studio in the basement.