Massachusetts State Police, local police, charge 35 people in Opiate Suppression Initiative

BROCKTON – Massachusetts State Police and Brockton Police have charged 35 people as part of the 2024 Brockton Opiate Suppression Initiative, Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz has announced.

From May-July, investigators assigned to the Plymouth County State Police Detective Unit, the Massachusetts State Police Gang Unit, the MSP Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section, and the Brockton Police Detective Unit conducted 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 and narcotic distribution activities, violence, quality of life offenses, and related crimes in the City of Brockton. During this operation, investigators completed 25 undercover narcotics purchases from numerous distributors.

This week, investigators sought and obtained 20 arrest warrants for individuals. More than 60 members of law enforcement organized into six arrest teams and fanned out over Brockton to execute those warrants. Members of law enforcement participating in the operation included the Plymouth County Massachusetts State Police Detectives Unit, Brockton Police, the MSP Gang Unit, MSP Commonwealth Interstate Narcotics Reduction Enforcement Team South, MSP Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section, MSP Troop D-CAT, MSP STOP Team, MSP K9, and the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department.

As a result, the following defendants were charged with various drug charges:
-Alex Alemany
-Michael Andrade
-John Bertelli
-Johnny Thompson
-Cullen Breton
-Jessica Colby
-John Encarnacion
-James Fratus
-Derek Gaughan
-Shachona Green
-Eugene Kirksey
-Dwayne Moore
-Derlmiah Mollenthiel
-William Newton
-Kevin Oliveira
-Kali Richardson
-Corey Roach
-Mark Snarsky
-Andrea St. Croix
-Jacqui St. Jean
-Travis Washington
-Xavier Guzman-Veiga
-Unnamed Juvenile

During the operation, officers also encountered the following 13 people with outstanding arrest warrants who were not associated with today’s operation, and they were taken into custody.
-Jose Andrade
-Amanda Doyle
-Samantha Giberson
-Ruben Gonzalez
-Rebecca Hammond
-Kenneth Johnson
-Joshua King
-Ibrahim Mohammed
-Alvaro Sisa Maisanche
-Omar Soldevilla
-Jannette Szyp
-Christopher Vaughn
-Ruben Vieira

As part of the investigation, Massachusetts State Police and Brockton Police investigated the drug distribution enterprise of William Newton, 66. As a result, police executed search warrants for Newton’s residence on Allen Street and his Mercedes E350. The search warrants were executed without incident and led to the discovery of 13 grams of crack cocaine, 10 grams of Fentanyl, and several Gabapentin pills. Newton was placed under arrest and charged with drug trafficking and possession.

Also located at the Allen Street apartment was Rebecca Hammond, 41, who had an active warrant for drug-related charges. She was taken into custody.

“Law enforcement at all levels are working tirelessly to combat crime in the city of Brockton,” DA Cruz said. “I commend the work of the Massachusetts State Police, Brockton Police, and all of the agencies who participated in this operation. We remain dedicated to sending a message to those trafficking poison — drug dealing is not welcome here in Brockton. Law enforcement will continue to make their presence known to ensure this city remains safe for all residents.”
Massachusetts State Police Colonel John Mawn said, “Today’s operation illustrates our shared commitment to public safety. I commend the troopers and officers willing to risk their lives to meaningfully address those who exploit and profit from marginalized individuals living with substance use disorders. As part of this dangerous mission, we also focus on the companion gun violence perpetrated by those involved in illegal narcotics activity. The law enforcement action today will improve the quality of life for those living, working, and visiting Brockton, and the surrounding communities.”

Mayor Robert Sullivan said, “The City of Brockton extends its gratitude to the Massachusetts State Police and the Plymouth County Sheriff for their partnership with the Brockton Police Department in conducting a citywide sweep targeting alleged drug dealers and other violent offenders. Ensuring the safety of our residents, visitors, and business owners is crucial to Brockton’s vitality and progress. We remain steadfast in our commitment to addressing any threats to our community’s safety.”

“Today’s successful opiate suppression operation underscores the unwavering commitment of the Brockton Police Department, Massachusetts State Police, and our dedicated law enforcement partners,” said Brockton Police Chief Brenda Perez. “By targeting and apprehending drug dealers and addressing quality-of-life issues head-on, we reaffirm our resolve to enhance community safety. This collaborative effort is critical in demonstrating that we will continue to work tirelessly to protect our neighborhoods.”

Law enforcement continues to attempt to serve numerous arrest warrants associated with this investigation.