Eight Men Arraigned in Connection with Drug Trafficking Scheme
Charges stem from collaborative investigation into extensive drug network
Ten men and one woman have been indicted in connection with allegedly trafficking, possessing, and distributing narcotics in the Commonwealth, Attorney General Martha Coakley’s Office announced today. (Below is a list of all other individuals who were charged)
The charges stem from an extensive drug trafficking investigation resulting in the seizure of approximately 500 grams of cocaine, several pounds of marijuana, thousands of dollars, and several vehicles.
As part of an ongoing narcotics investigation, the Attorney General’s Office began an investigation into the activities of Gerald Esposito, age 40, of Boston in March 2011. The investigation focused on Esposito’s alleged extensive drug network, which included the wholesalers from whom he bought narcotics, partners with whom he collaborated, and the customers to whom he sold the product.
Authorities allege that Esposito’s drug dealing took place in the North End and the Revere apartment of Kettia Piris. Further investigation revealed drug transactions among co-defendants Esposito, Anthony Vigorito, Anthony Gianetti, Steven Tracia, Ferdinando Daniele, Adam Saggesse, Sal Lazzari, Anthony Ascenzo, Paul Mattarese and Marino Velasquez.
In June 2011 search warrants were authorized for searches of locations and vehicles associated with the co-defendants Esposito, Daniele, Tracia, Velasquez, and Giannetti as well as their persons. Pursuant to the warrants, Esposito was arrested while meeting with Daniele, resulting in the seizure of $2,594 cash and several types of drugs in quantities ready for sale. Further execution of the search warrants resulted in the seizure of approximately 500 grams of cocaine, several pounds of marijuana, ammunition, approximately $75,000 cash, several vehicles, and other materials associated with narcotics dealing.
The Special Grand Jury in Suffolk Superior Court returned indictments against the 11 defendants on September 15, 2011. Eight of the defendants were arraigned yesterday in Suffolk Superior Court at which time each entered individual pleas of not guilty. They will return to court on November 3, for a pre-trial conference.
These charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Assistant Attorneys General Patrick Hanley and Anne Kaczmarek of AG Coakley’s Enterprise and Major Crimes Division are prosecuting this case. It was investigated by the Special Service Section, Suffolk County Detective Unit and Attorney General’s Detective Unit of the State Police, with assistance from the Revere Police Drug Control Unit and the Boston Police Special Investigations Unit. Victim/Witness Advocate Ashley Cinelli is also assigned to the investigation.
Defendants and Charges
Gerald Esposito, age 40, of North End, Boston: Arraigned in Suffolk Superior Court. Released on $100,000 bail
- Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
- Trafficking in Cocaine Over 100 grams
- Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute
- Conspiracy to Distribute Oxycodone
- Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana
- Reckless Behavior Creating Risk of Serious Bodily Injury to a Child
- Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
- Possession of Oxycodone with Intent to Distribute
- Possession of Buprenophine
- Possession of Lorazepam
Steven Tracia, age 55, of Revere: Arraigned in Suffolk Superior Court on 9/20/11. He was released on $125,000 bail
- Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
- Trafficking in Cocaine Over 200 grams
Marino Velasquez, age 51, of Revere: Arraigned in Suffolk Superior Court. Held on $125,000 bail
- Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
- Trafficking in Cocaine Over 200 grams
- Possession of Cocaine
Kettia Piris, age 23, of Revere: To be arraigned on 11/2/11
- Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
- Trafficking in Cocaine Over 100 grams
- Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute
Anthony Vigorito, age 54, of North End, Boston: Arraigned in Suffolk Superior Court. Released on Personal Recognizance
- Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
- Conspiracy to Distribute Oxycodone
Anthony Giannetti, age 33, of Revere: Defaulted at arraignment and a warrant issued for his arrest
- Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
- Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana
- Possession of Ammunition
Ferdinando Daniele, age 64, of Revere: Arraigned in Suffolk Superior Court. Held on $50,000 bail
- Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
- Trafficking in Cocaine Over 28 grams
Paul Mattarese, age 51, of Maine: Arrested in Maine on September 23, 2011 on warrant issued out of Suffolk Superior Court. Held without bail in Maine and is awaiting rendition
- Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
- Trafficking in Cocaine Over 28 grams
- Habitual Criminal (2 counts)
Anthony Ascenzo, age 61, of North End, Boston: Arraigned in Suffolk Superior Court. Released on Personal Recognizance
- Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
Salvatore Lazzari, age 57, Winthrop: Arraigned in Suffolk Superior Court. Released on Personal Recognizance
- Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
Adam Saggese, age 38, of Melrose: Arraigned in Suffolk Superior Court. Released on Personal Recognizance
- Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
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