BOSTON—Federal complaints were unsealed
yesterday against seven individuals charged with conspiracy to distribute
cocaine and cocaine base following a two-year investigation dubbed Operation
Devil’s Handshake. Additionally, state authorities arrested eight individuals
for related drug trafficking offenses.
A total of 15 individuals were arrested
early yesterday morning. The charges are the product of a coordinated joint
federal and state investigation into illegal drug trafficking activities in
Worcester. Of those arrested, seven have been charged in federal complaints,
and eight have been charged by the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office.
The following were arrested on federal
complaints:
■Sergio Hernandez, 29, charged with
conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base. He faces up to life in
prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10
million;
■James Dunston, a/k/a “Speedro,” 29,
charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base. He faces up to
life in prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release and a fine of
up to $10 million;
■Richard Cruz, a/k/a “Compi,” 38,
charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base. He faces up to
life in prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release and a fine of
up to $10 million. (arrested in Puerto Rico);
■Shawna Gotsis, 26, charged with
conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base. She faces up to life in
prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10
million;
■Janette Hernandez, 53, charged with
conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base. She faces up to life in
prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10
million;
■Jeneva Hernandez, 25, charged with
conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base. She faces up to life in
prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10
million;
■Anthony Wooldridge, 27, charged with
conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base. He faces up to life in
prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10
million;
According to the redacted federal
affidavit filed yesterday, the defendants distributed and supplied cocaine and
crack cocaine in the Worcester area. Cruz is alleged to have shipped cocaine
from Puerto Rico to Sergio Hernandez via the U.S. Mail. The cocaine was
disguised in a resealed can of beans. A U.S. Postal inspector, working with DEA
agents, intercepted the parcel before it was delivered in Worcester. A canning
machine was recovered from Cruz’s home in Puerto Rico. It is further alleged
that a number of these defendants have been convicted of crimes of violence and
narcotics felonies and therefore face enhanced sentences.
United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz;
Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early, Jr.; Acting Special Agent
in Charge Kevin L. Lane of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England
Field Division; Robert Bethel, Postal Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection
Service, Boston Division; and Worcester Police Chief Gary J. Gemme made the
announcement today. The following agencies provided assistance in the
investigation or arrests of the defendants: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,
Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Massachusetts State Police;
Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and the Worcester
County Sheriff’s Office.
The federal cases are being prosecuted
by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cory S. Flashner, David Hennessy, and Mark Grady of
Ortiz’s Worcester Branch Office. The state cases are being prosecuted by
Assistant District Attorney Sarah Richardson and Terrence Reidy of Worcester
County District Attorney Joseph D. Early, Jr.’s Office.
The details contained in the complaint
and affidavit are allegations. The defendants are presumed to be innocent
unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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