Holyoke Men Charged with Crack Cocaine and Heroin Offenses

BOSTON – Three Holyoke men were arrested today and charged in federal court in Springfield with distributing drugs.

Pedro Colon Amadeo, 35, and Jean Carlos Rivera, 29, were charged in separate indictments with distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, also known as crack cocaine. Anthony Rivera, 35, was charged in a third indictment with distribution and possession with intent to distribute heroin.

According to the indictments that were unsealed today, each defendant distributed the drugs in Holyoke between November of 2017 and January of 2018. The indictments are the result of a seven month law enforcement investigation into cocaine and heroin trafficking in Holyoke by members of La Familia gang.

Colon- Amadeo faces up to 40 years in prison, up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million; Anthony Rivera faces up to 30 years in prison, up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $2 million; and Jean Carlos Rivera faces up to 20 years in prison, a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Holyoke Police Chief James M. Neiswanger made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd E. Newhouse of Lelling’s Springfield Office is prosecuting the cases.

The details contained in the indictments are allegations. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.