"All I'll say is, it's just not right," Coven said. We collect statistics to track the progression of the opioid crisis. Possession with Intent to Distribute Class B Reporter Wheeler Cowperthwaite can be reached at wcowperthwaite@patriotledger.com. Police in Boston, Quincy, Norwood and Randolph, with help from State Police and US marshals raided several locations in raids that kicked off at 5:45 a.m. in search of guns and drugs as a followup to arrests and gun seizures in a Dorchester park last November. Get the picture with our photo reprints. of Taunton, charged with 18 counts of conspiracy to violate the We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content. The charges of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. 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", Shop Our Favorite February Amazon Deals Before the Sales End, The 14 Best Mineral Sunscreens of 2023, According to Pros, 14 TikTok-Famous Cleaning Products That Actually Work, According to Our Experts, 14 Best Healthier Candy Alternatives of 2023, According to Taste Tests. lawmakers want public vetting of next teachers, 12 on 12 Digital Original: Cold Case Cards All, Cold Case Cards: All In DNA Changing the Game, Cold Case Cards: All In Inside the Task Force. Four other men are being held without bail pending the outcome of a dangerousness hearing started on Tuesday and scheduled to be concluded on Friday. Your email address will not be published. The eight people were arrested on a variety of charges. "All five indictments are part of an ongoing federal effort to stem the tide of heroin and fentanyl in southeastern Massachusetts.". Checking back? Operation Shore Thing also led to the seizure of approximately 1,950 grams of fentanyl, 4,310 oxycodone tablets, 51 grams of crack cocaine, two illegal firearms and $75,000 in cash, officials said, adding that the fentanyl and oxycodone alone had a street value of around $350,000. The suspects "were indicted on federal drug trafficking charges in connection" with a local heroin ring, according to the statement. On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. In Braintree, investigators seized approximately 3,400 grams of suspected fentanyl, along with 88 methamphetamine pills, and one pound of marijuana. Taunton man arrested in Norton drug raid released on bail; lawyer cites COVID health risk. Gray, Jr. 40, of Marshfield. Lock ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Take a look back in time with our Nostalgia section. Mendell said federal agents on Wednesday . Possessing Firearm without FID Card dlinton@thesunchronicle.com, North Attleboro businessman suing Attleboro cops for $2.8M for 2019 pot arrest, Attleboro-Norton YMCA fires CEO after he allegedly assaults wife, DeSimone pulls off surprise win in Attleboro special mayoral election, New Vietnamese restaurant opens in Foxboro, Tales and trails of the Underground Railroad pass through the Attleboro area. Celsidonio Gonsalves, 19, of Fall River Most of the defendants were arrested in a coordinated law enforcement sweep in November . Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. There was a problem saving your notification. arrested Monday during a warrant sweep in Taunton and Raynham, TAUNTON - Fifteen people authorities say were Please do not include personal or contact information. 37, of Taunton, three counts of conspiracy to violate the drug The Taunton Police Department hosted U.S. Attorney Carmen Ortiz today as she announced arrests and federal charges connected to a large-scale heroin distribution ring. BOSTON Men from New Bedford and Taunton were among 10 people arrested Tuesday for their alleged involvement in a Fall-River-based drug trafficking organization that distributed fentanyl. (WWLP) - Springfield Police have arrested two men and seized heroin, two rifles and more than $16,000 in cash Wednesday evening . Rivera used his residence and his barbershop, Knockout Barbershop, to sell drugs and store drug proceeds. Please limit your input to 500 characters. said I would when I was running for district attorney four years The investigation involved the seizure of just under two kilos of fentanyl, thousands of oxycodone pills and other narcotics that contribute to the drug problem in our community, and sadly result in fatal overdoses, DA Thomas Quinn III said. Sousa argued that Demers remains a danger to himself and the community. by . At this time he observed a red Mercedes C Sedan with a Massachusetts registration plate traveling west on Winthrop St. (Rte 44). We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content. "There are lots of moving parts. "We've got tons going on," Walsh said. Department of Public Health. More than 25 are behind bars after raids across southeastern Massachusetts this morning, the Taunton Gazette reported. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Morrison, 24, of Taunton, conspiracy to violate the drug laws; "The investigation was launched as part of the federal response to the heroin epidemic plaguing Massachusetts, and Taunton in particular, which has seen a steep increase in heroin overdose deaths since 2013," according to Ortiz' press release. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. NEW BEDFORD, Mass. Quincy police said in a statement on Facebook last week that the month-long investigation resulted in four raids in Quincyand one in Weymouth, where police seized18 kilograms nearly 40 pounds of drugs,. TAUNTON, Mass. In the first nine months of the year, there were 1,613 confirmed and estimated opioid-related overdose deaths, approximately 21 more deaths than in the . Working across the city's borders has helped stretch investigative resources. 0:04 0:51 QUINCY Quincy police arrested eight people, including a Taunton man, and seized 18 kilograms of cocaine following five raids Monday, part of an investigation into a drug operation. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Between September 2020 and January 2021, Rivera and a co-conspirator engaged in four separate sales of fentanyl to a cooperating witness in Taunton. "The investigation revealed that Dedwin Cruz-Rivera was obtaining heroin and fentanyl from multiple wholesale suppliers, including Eric Matos and Manuel Romero-Gonsalez, and was distributing the drugs to Taunton-based dealers, including Maria Rodriguez, her son William Rodriguez, Oniel Rivera, and Xavier Ramos," according to the press release. QUINCY Two men arrested after raids on multiple South Shore apartmentslast week were ordered held on $25,000 bail at their arraignment Tuesday. NBC 5 News. Inside, detectives said they found 7.8 pounds of marijuana, THC edibles, THC wax, mushrooms, LSD strips, 18 grams of cocaine, pills, and other drug paraphernalia. Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. Jeffrey Bossart's testimony was that both men "just happened to be there" when police stopped the car they were in. $22,000), The following eight individuals were arrested: An official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Sgt. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock scheduled sentencing for May 23, 2022. Possession with Intent to Distribute Class D Have something to sell? All three urged the public not to be afraid. Investigators also identified addresses in Braintree and Somerville that Pyrtle frequented. Michael J. Demers, 56, of Taunton, posted $10,000 cash and was released after being fitted with a GPS bracelet at Attleboro District Court. involved in the investigation of the drug distribution ring and the On Wednesday, April 27, four teams of state and local police executed search warrants at locations in Taunton and Fall River, which resulted in six arrests. "The following men and women have been charged in connection to the heroin ring: Dedwin Cruz-Rivera, 39, and Christian Sostre, 21, both of Fall River; Eric Matos, 37, and Miguelina Mejia Ruiz, 21, both of Lawrence; Manuel Romero-Gonsalez, 37, Luz Gonzalez, 33, Francis Gonsalez-Romero, 39, and Maria Elena Ocasio, 55, all of Providence, Rhode Island; Julio C. Ocasio, 24, Xavier Ramos, 25, Maria Rodriguez, 38, William M. Rodriguez, 22, Lindsay Ann Belisle, 29, Jose O. Perez, 28, KellyPatterson, 36, Jorge Vega, 40, Jose A. Rodriguez, 40, Oniel Rivera, 28, Christopher Perez, 36, Kelly Jean Gagnon, 39, Joseph W. Parsons, 23 and Philip Malaguti, 31, all of Taunton; Cory S. Nickerson, 31, of New Bedford; Steven M. Enos, 28, of Berkley; and John A. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. "Those problem players are creating a disproportionate number of the calls (to police)," Walsh said. Matos: No timeline to decide on run for Congress, Dave Grohl cooks barbecue for hundreds at shelter, System outage interrupts SNAP benefits, DMV services, 10 vehicles involved in 2 North Kingstown crashes, Brief Evening Snow/Rain Shower; Light Rain Overnight, What time is it on moon? Eleven pounds of Marijuana (with a value of approx. Your email address will not be published. As the press conference was about to start, maps and charts detailing the alleged heroin ring conspiracy and how it stretches all the way to Mexican cartels, were placed around the briefing room. The South Shore Drug Task Force is comprised of the following communities: Braintree; Weymouth; Randolph; Milton; Holbrook; Cohasset; Norfolk County Sheriffs Office; and Quincy, as the host community. "There are lots of moving parts.". for 30 days, Free Detectives also secured $55,000 in cash at that location. (WHDH) - Eight people were arrested after Quincy police busted a massive drug trafficking organization that had been operating in several communities on the South Shore, officials said. Ortiz said the investigation also revealed "Romero-Gonsalez worked with his associate, Luz Gonzalez, and his brother, Francis Gonsalez-Romero, to distribute narcotics""Agents repeatedly observed William Rodriguez selling heroin to customers in and around Taunton, including Jose Perez, Kelly Patterson, Jorge Vega, Jose Rodriguez, Christopher Perez, Kelly Jean Gagnon, Joseph Parsons, Philip Malaguti, and John Gray, Jr. Lyndsay Belisle helped William Rodriguez distribute the drugs," according to the press release. This page is located more than 3 levels deep within a topic. police K9 unit, the New England State Police Information Network He said the gun and heroin problems plaguing the city continue far past Taunton's borders. Support local journalism. The drug organization mainly dealt in cocaine, Sutter said. All five of them will be arraigned on those charges on Thursday in Taunton District Court. The Norfolks District Attorneys Office confirmed that Pyrtle was scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon in Quincy District Court on one count each of Trafficking a Class A Substance, Fentanyl, Trafficking a Class B Substance, Cocaine, Possession with Intent to Distribute, a Class D Substance, Marijuana. A lock icon ( Thank you for reading! Feds announce arrests in large heroin ring in Taunton, More than 25 are behind bars after raids across southeastern Massachusetts this morning, the Taunton Gazette reported.The Taunton Police Department hosted U.S. Attorney Carmen Ortiz today as she announced arrests and federal charges connected to a large-scale heroin distribution ring.The list of 25 arrested includes 14 men and women from Taunton, and one man from Berkley.As the press conference was about to start, maps and charts detailing the alleged heroin ring conspiracy and how it stretches all the way to Mexican cartels, were placed around the briefing room.Ortiz' staff passed out statements to the media describing the arrests of 25 "individuals charged in southeastern Massachusetts heroin ring. Welcome! Required fields are marked *. "Fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic opioid, which, by weight, is 30-40 times deadlier than heroin," according to the press release.Ortiz said the indictment was the result of a 15-month investigation, including the use of "court-authorized wiretaps and the execution of six search warrants. Try plastic surgery for autographs, Fan brings Olympian Mary Lou Retton to tears, RISPCA has nearly 30 guinea pigs up for adoption, February vacation events around Southern New England, How you can help those affected by Station fire, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Possession with intent to distribute a class B drug, Possession with intent to distribute a class Bdrug, Possession of a firearm without ID (2 counts), Possession of a large capacity weapon or feeding device (two counts), Possession of ammunition without FID card, Possession of a large capacity weapon or feeding device (2 counts). Rey Zavala, 35, of Taunton, two counts of conspiracy to violate the Your email address will not be published. . Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Boston Office: Quincy District Judge Mark Coven ordered Neylton Fontes, 33, of Brockton, and Chaasad Cyprien, 20, of Oxford, to be held on $25,000 cash bail. Neylton Fontes, 33, of Brockton He faces a mandatory minimum 3 -year prison sentence if convicted. For immediate release: 5/12/2021. They also seized $1,950 in cash, and . Updated data - Q1 2020 - As of June 2020. The federal Drug Enforcement Agency and Massachusetts State Police are expected to attend today's press briefing at the Taunton Police Department. Coven pressed Curley for why the two men should be held on high bail, and said that all he heard during Quincy Police Det. Hoye, Walsh and Detective Capt. investigation. Thank you for signing in! Suspicious package helps police make major drug . ATTLEBORO A suspect arrested in a Norton drug raid in August was released from jail Monday after a judge reversed his decision to hold him without bail. Possession of a Machine Gun "That exemplifies another one of our It cited the defendants diabetes and other health issues that make him vulnerable to contracting the coronavirus in jail while awaiting trial, according to court records. Police also found a long list of drug processing paraphernalia and $2,440 in cash. Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. They are: Two women also arrested and charged on Jan. 11, Erica Vieira, 24, of Brockton, and Anisha Lopes, 20, of Weymouth. TAUNTON, Mass. "Our players, our shooters, are their players, their shooters," Walsh said. Police executed a search warrant at a commercial property in the rear of 495 Winthrop St. around 1 p.m. Wednesday. Trafficking in Cocaine 200+grams 35, of Taunton, conspiracy to violate the drug laws; Dana Avelar to violate the drug laws; Felicia Kearney, 22, of Taunton, two Secure .gov websites use HTTPS ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the official website. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen W. Hassink of Rollins Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case. Assistant District Attorney Henry Sousa III argued in court papers that Demers previous lawyer made the same arguments for release and they were rejected at the time. If you need assistance, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. (WLNE) Police in Rehoboth arrested five individuals Wednesday that were all connected to a large scale marijuana cultivation operation. Since you viewed this item previously you can read it again. Worcester:508-368-0100. Through surveillance and records checks, they learned the oxycodone supplier lived in Lawrence, Massachusetts, according to officials. Hoye said he'll be looking for ways to add more bodies to the city's police force. While Walsh refused, earlier this week, to discuss the cases tied directly to Ortiz' announcement, he and Taunton Mayor Thomas C. Hoye Jr. met Wednesday to discuss gun violence in the city. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. Curley asked Coven to hold Fontes on $200,000 bail and Cyprien on $50,000. 6 seed, URI mens basketball hoping to avoid winless road, URIs Tammi Reiss named 2023 A10 Coach of the Year, Honoring Black History: Sharing Our Stories, 2/24/2023: Rep. Cicilline; special election preview, R.I. native on the newest season of Survivor, Join Cardis in supporting the Gamm Theatre, In the Kitchen: Steak Fries with Parmesan and Black, Alexandras Too shares the latest styles and trends, In the Kitchen with Bob Burke from Pot au Feu, NEXT: Man charged with murdering mother off RI coast, Teachers hopeful despite vote to end education collaborative, Peoples Savings Bank building bought for $2.2M, Olive oil in coffee? counts of conspiracy to violate the drug laws; Teisha Johnson, 26, Four people were . Massive drug bust worth over $1 million nets 8 arrests including Fall River, Brockton, Taunton residents Thread starter mikeyp; Start date Jan 12, 2021; mikeyp. Two women arrested with Demers were not charged with any offenses related to the alleged narcotics in the room. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Please log in, or sign up for a new account to continue reading. QUINCY, MASS. "I want that kid charged as an adult," Hoye said, referring to the alleged 16-year-old shooter in Tuesday's brazen daytime shooting near Hopewell Park.Both Hoye and Walsh see many connections between the drug trade and gun violence in Taunton.Walsh said Wednesday that he and his investigators have been cooperating with law enforcement agencies on multiple levels, form the federal government to police in other Gateway Cities.The federal Drug Enforcement Agency and Massachusetts State Police are expected to attend today's press briefing at the Taunton Police Department. Arraigned on Those charges on Thursday in Taunton District Court Judge Douglas P. scheduled! Bail at their arraignment Tuesday their shooters, are their players, their shooters drug raid in taunton, ma 2021 are their players, shooters! Nostalgia section Lawrence, Massachusetts, according to officials on Those charges on in! Take a look back in time with our Nostalgia section Fall River of! 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