Large-Scale Heroin Distribution Organization Nets 25 Arrests
U.S. Attorney’s Office November 18, 2010 |
BOSTON, MA—Twenty-five individuals were arrested today in the cities of Brockton, Hanover, South Easton, Dedham, Lynn, Somerville, and Stoughton on federal and state drug and gun charges stemming from a long term court-authorized interception of wire communications. Sixteen search warrants were also executed in multiple counties early this morning.
According to the affidavit, an investigation began in approximately December 2009 into members of a large heroin distribution organization, which was distributing significant quantities of heroin in and around Brockton.
Through court-authorized interception of wire communications, 10 telephones used by members of a targeted narcotics trafficking organization were intercepted, including cellular telephones. The investigation revealed that MIGUEL FERNANDES, JOSE ROSA, IURY GOMES, and JUSTIN TEIXEIRA, all of Brockton, were each large-scale heroin distributors, who had numerous heroin sources of supply, criminal associates, and heroin customers. According to the affidavit, the interceptions revealed that ROSA, GOMES, FERNANDES, and TEIXEIRA used the targeted telephones to receive and distribute in excess of one kilogram of heroin.
It is alleged that from June 2010 until November 2010, the following defendants conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute, in excess of one kilogram of heroin:
- Tiffany Marie ANDRADE, of South Easton
- Claudio ARAUJO, a/k/a "Lenny," a/k/a UM9889, of Brockton
- Alessio BARBOSA, a/k/a "Alexio," a/k/a "Alex," a/k/a "A," a/k/a "Ace," of Brockton
- Dany L. BRANDAO, a/k/a UM6122, of Brockton
- Nicholas DEANGELIS, a/k/a UM1027, of Brockton
- Emanuel DOCANTO, a/k/a "Mandog," a/k/a UM4026, of Brockton
- Miguel A. FERNANDES, a/k/a "Miguel," of Brockton
- Ismael FIGUEROA, of Lynn
- Ivan FONSECA, a/k/a UM3507, of Brockton
- Iury Jandir GOMES, a/k/a "Utes," of Brockton
- Alector GONCALVES, a/k/a "JG," of Brockton
- Tamara HOLLIS, of Brockton
- Carey MONTEIRO, a/k/a UF6102, a/k/a UF1163, of Dedham
- Elsio MONTEIRO, a/k/a UM3005, of Brockton
- Robert PARSONS, a/k/a UM8385, of Hanover
- Emanuel RIBEIRO, a/k/a UM9458, of Brockton
- Jose G. ROSA, a/k/a "Jose," a/k/a "J," a/k/a "Big Poppa," of South Easton
- Virgilio ROSA, a/k/a "Turbo," of Brockton
- Nine SILVEIRA, of Brockton
- Gregory STUBBS, of Stoughton
- Timothy T. TAMULEVICH, a/k/a "Tiny," of Brockton
- Justin A TEIXEIRA, a/k/a "Becky," of Brockton
- Carla VICENTE, a/k/a UF2296, of Brockton
- Catherine WATTS, a/k/a "Kate," of Somerville
- Jason MIRANDA, of Brockton was also arrested and will face state charges of unlawful possession of a Class D substance with the intent to distribute in a school zone.
JOSE ROSA, FONSECA, and DEANGELIS are presently in state custody and will be transferred to federal custody.
"Today's arrests should be a clear signal to those distributing drugs in our neighborhoods that the federal government is aggressively working with state and local law enforcement to track their movements, find their associates and close down their operations," said United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz.
"DEA and our law enforcement partners are committed to working together to make our communities safer for our citizens," said Special Agent in Charge Steven Derr. "This investigation is a great example of cooperative law enforcement between federal, state and local law enforcement targeting a heroin drug trafficking organization which is now out of business. DEA will continue to target the most significant drug traffickers."
Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz said, "The streets of Brockton are safer today as a results of these arrests. Once again, federal, state and local law enforcement officers have worked together in order to ensure the safety of our community. We are grateful to the U.S. Attorney's Office and all agencies involved in this operation for their commitment to this community."
"Urban communities have our challenges, but make no mistake, residents of this city are no less deserving of a peaceful quality of life," said Brockton Mayor Linda M. Balzotti. "We are not going to tolerate this kind of activity in our community. We will continue to remain vigilant. I would like to thank all of the local, state, and federal officials that were involved in today's events."
United States Attorney Ortiz; SAC Derr; District Attorney Cruz; Mayor Balzotti; Brockton Chief William Conlon; Colonel Marian McGovern, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police and Richard DesLauriers of the Federal Bureau of Investigation - Boston Field Division made the announcement today. This investigation was part of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Group (HIDTA) which includes local, state, and federal agencies.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney's Ann Taylor and Leah Foley of Oritz's Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force. The state defendant will be prosecuted by District Attorney Cruz's Office.