Multi-agency Massachusetts operation involving FBI nets 28 arrests, over 12 firearms, more than 1 kilogram of cocaine, hundreds of fentanyl pills, and heroin

Springfield, Massachusetts – Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni, joined by Special Agent in Charge Ted Docks of the FBI Boston Division, Holyoke Police Chief Brian Keenan, and Chicopee Police Detective Captain Edward Hitchcock, announced the results of a months-long collaborative investigation that has resulted in the arrests of 28 individuals and the seizure of significant quantities of narcotics and more than a dozen firearms.

The investigation was led by the FBI’s Western Massachusetts Gang Task Force, with the Chicopee Police Department playing a significant role and assistance from law enforcement agencies throughout Western Massachusetts. The investigation was dubbed “Operation Pinky Promise” in reference to the pink fentanyl pills the alleged criminal enterprises promised to buyers.

The Hampden District Attorney’s Office worked alongside investigators throughout the investigation, including through the legal process supporting a state wiretap utilized by investigators. The wiretap was issued pursuant to Massachusetts law through the state court system under the authority of the Hampden District Attorney’s Office.

With the final arrests made on Tuesday, a total of 28 individuals have been arrested in connection with the investigation. Law enforcement seized more than 12 firearms, more than one kilogram of cocaine, hundreds of fentanyl pills, and heroin.

“This investigation represents exactly what we can accomplish when federal, state and local law enforcement combine our resources, expertise and authority toward a common goal,” Gulluni said. “This was months of intensive investigative work supported by careful legal process, and the result is 28 individuals now facing allegations of serious criminal activity and significant quantities of dangerous drugs and firearms removed from our communities. I’m grateful to the FBI’s Western Massachusetts Gang Task Force and every agency and investigator whose work contributed to this operation.”

“Operation Pinky Promise – initiated by our Western Massachusetts Gang Task Force – was a complex, multi-pronged investigation targeting violent criminal enterprises operating in Chicopee, Holyoke, and Springfield. The goal: to crush violent crime in these communities and beyond by removing repeat violent offenders and gang members, illegal firearms, and deadly drugs from our streets,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “These arrests should make it crystal clear to those who think they can bring poison and violence to western Massachusetts, your days are numbered.”

Investigators utilized a number of investigative techniques over the course of the months-long investigation, including surveillance, confidential sources, controlled purchases, search warrants, and a state-authorized wiretap.

One component of the investigation focused on an alleged drug trafficking organization operating from locations in Holyoke and Springfield. Investigators alleged that members of the organization worked together to receive, store, process, package, transport, and distribute cocaine, crack cocaine, and fentanyl throughout Hampden County. Investigators developed information through confidential sources, controlled purchases, months of surveillance, and other investigative techniques.

Another component focused on alleged cocaine trafficking in Chicopee. During that investigation, an undercover law enforcement officer conducted a series of controlled cocaine purchases as investigators worked to identify additional individuals, sources of supply and locations associated with the alleged trafficking activity.

The following individuals have been arrested as a result of the investigation:

1. Manolin Fernandez Sr., 59, of Holyoke

2. Manolin Fernandez Jr., 29, of Chicopee

3. Simaris Velez-Ares, 35, of Holyoke

4. Iesha Rodriguez, 32, of Springfield

5. Devin Fernandez, 19, of Holyoke

6. Luis Santiago, 62, of Holyoke

7. Christine Santiago, 61, of Holyoke

8. Jose Jimenez, 58, of Holyoke

9. Zachary Weidman, 25 of Chicopee

10. Chloe Natal, 24, of Chicopee

11. Joshua Ribeiro, 25, of Chicopee

12. Arianna Kelly, 27, of Chicopee

13. Justin Ribeiro, 24, of Chicopee

14. Ymanii Wright, 22 of Chicopee

15. Jean Fernandez, 28, of Holyoke

16. Radames Perez, 48, of Springfield

17. Rafael Martinez, 43, Springfield

18. Xavier Rodriguez, 22, of Springfield

19. Raekwon Acevedo, 28, of Holyoke

20. Scott Paul, 55, of Chicopee

21. Michelle Lazarz, 64, of Chicopee

22. Kyle Methot, 44, of Chicopee

23. Thomas Byrnes, 48, of Chicopee

24. Melissa Goulet, 43 of Chicopee

25. Joshua Baumann, 38, of Holyoke

26. Isriel Vargas, 27, of Chicopee

27. Monique Lambert, 38, of Chicopee

28. Jayce Mack, 29, of Springfield

The investigation was led by the FBI’s Western Massachusetts Gang Task Force and the Chicopee Police Department, with contributions from all agencies comprising the task force. The Western Massachusetts Gang Task Force includes the Chicopee, Springfield, Holyoke, Easthampton and West Springfield Police Departments, as well as the Hampden, Berkshire and Franklin County Sheriff’s Offices.

Valuable assistance was also provided by the South Hadley Police Department, Massachusetts State Police, ATF Boston Field Division and DEA New England Division, with substantial assistance from the Massachusetts National Guard Counterdrug Program.

K-9 teams from the Amherst, Chicopee, Easthampton, Southwick, Monson, West Springfield, Longmeadow, Springfield and Ludlow Police Departments also supported the investigation.

“The success of this investigation speaks to the strength of the partnerships we have built across Western Massachusetts,” Gulluni said. “No single agency can address the flow of illegal narcotics and firearms alone. When investigators, police departments, federal partners, and prosecutors work together, we are better positioned to identify and disrupt the individuals and organizations driving serious crime in our communities.”

All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.