Brockton, Boston, Fall River, Taunton residents among 22 arrested in drug suppression investigation

BROCKTON – Massachusetts State Police and Brockton Police arrested 22 people as part of the 2023 Brockton Opiate Suppression Initiative, Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz has announced.

During the month of August, investigators assigned to the Plymouth County State Police Detective Unit, the Massachusetts State Police Gang Unit, and the Brockton Police Detective Unit began a joint investigation into street- level opiate sales within the city of Brockton. The goal of this operation was to address issues related to opiate distribution and other drug dealing activities, violence, quality of life issues, and related crimes in the community. As a result, yesterday, investigators sought and obtained arrest warrants for 31 individuals.

At 5:00 a.m. this morning, more than 60 members of law enforcement met in Brockton and executed the arrest warrants. Members of law enforcement participating in today’s operation included: the Plymouth County State Police Detectives Unit, Brockton Police, the MSP Gang Unit, MSP Commonwealth Interstate Narcotics Reduction Enforcement Team, MSP Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section, MSP Troop D-CAT, MSP STOP Team, MSP K9, WEB Narcotic Task Force, Norfolk County State Police Detectives Unit, and the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department. met in Brockton and executed arrest warrants in and around the city of Brockton. As a result, 22 people were arrested.

“Law enforcement at all levels are working daily to combat crime in the city of Brockton,” DA Cruz said. “I commend the work of the State Police, Brockton Police and all of the agencies who participated this morning. We remain dedicated to sending a message to those trafficking poison– drug dealing is not welcome here in Brockton. Massachusetts State Police and Brockton Police will continue to make their presence known to ensure the city remains safe for all residents.”

Mayor Robert Sullivan said, “The City of Brockton is grateful to the Massachusetts State Police for partnering with the Brockton Police Department to sweep the City of these alleged drug dealers and other violent criminals. Brockton’s success depends on its residents, business owners, and visitors feeling safe from crime. We remain diligent to combat any element that threatens our security.”

“Our primary goal is to ensure the safety and security of our community,” Brockton Police Chief Brenda Perez said. “By apprehending these individuals, we take a significant step towards improving the quality of life for our residents, maintaining the safety of our neighborhoods, and taking illegal drugs off our streets. I want to express my gratitude to all law enforcement agencies and officers who made this operation successful. The collaborative effort showcases the strength of our law enforcement community.”

The following defendants were arrested as a result of Wednesday morning’s sweep and are scheduled to be arraigned in Brockton District Court on various drug charges:

Jose Andrade, 53, of Brockton
Michael Consalvo, 53, of Brockton
Tremell Jackson, 44, of Brockton
Elizabeth Gagnon, 37, of Taunton
Kali Richardson, 44, of Brockton
Ashtyn Belcher, 34, of Brockton
Chayanne Oviedo, 35, of Lawrence
Tharon Annable, 28, of Fall River
Andrew Lloyd, 46, of Boston
Ernesto Claudio Cruz, 40, of Brockton
Amina Casey, 34, of Brockton
Courtney Schneider, 35, of Brockton
Herminio Martinez, 46, of Brockton

During the operation, officers also encountered people with outstanding arrest warrants who were not associated with Wednesday’s operation, and they were taken into custody. Those defendants are 24-year-old Areana Fernandes, 52-year-old Kevin Hicks, 41-year-old John Wormley, 21-year-old Angel Santiago, 35-year-old Marvin Hill, and 38-year-old Ashley Butts.

On August 24, 2023, three juveniles were charged as a result of this investigation. These charges resulted in the execution of a search warrant at the Motel 6 in Brockton.

This search resulted in the seizure of a “Polymer 80” style ghost gun, 9-millimeter ammunition, a trafficking quantity of fentanyl, and a distribution quantity of crack cocaine. The three juveniles were charged with firearms possession and narcotic distribution/trafficking offenses.

All those who were arrested as part of Wednesday’s operation were booked at Brockton Police Department and subsequently transported to Brockton District Court for arraignment. During the arrest of Kali Richardson, Richardson was found to be in possession of a quantity of suspected fentanyl.

The investigation is active and ongoing.