New Bedford, Taunton, Raynham residents charged after shoplifting investigation leads to seizure of drugs

RAYNHAM — A shoplifting call at a retail store on Paramount Drive turned into a significant drug bust Wednesday afternoon, resulting in the arrest of five people and the seizure of nearly 50 grams of crack cocaine and fentanyl, according to the Raynham Police Department.

Mark Santos, 41, of New Bedford, was arrested and charged with trafficking 36 grams or more of cocaine, possession of a Class A drug (subsequent offense), shoplifting by concealing merchandise, and trespassing.

James Cyr, 42, of Raynham, was charged with possession of a Class A drug and shoplifting by concealing merchandise.

Jillian O’Neil, 35, of Taunton, and Xavier Ramos, 36, of Taunton, were each charged with shoplifting by concealing merchandise.

A 45-year-old woman from New Bedford will be summonsed to court on a shoplifting charge.

The incident began around 2:15 p.m. on Wednesday when Officer Michael Civale responded to Walmart after loss prevention staff detained two uncooperative shoplifters. Police were told that at least two other people had fled the store in a blue SUV. While in the parking lot, Officer Civale spotted a woman matching the description of one of the fleeing suspects. When she ran, he pursued her and saw her discard a backpack under a car. The woman, identified as the 45-year-old from New Bedford, was detained and returned to the store.

During the investigation, loss prevention reported that five individuals had concealed merchandise and left without paying. A search of Santos revealed a large plastic baggie containing multiple smaller baggies of what appeared to be crack cocaine, along with additional baggies of crack cocaine and a white powdery substance consistent with fentanyl. In total, officers seized 48 grams of crack cocaine and 2 grams of fentanyl. Also recovered were empty baggies, two digital scales, pill bottles, and three cellphones, items consistent with drug distribution.

Santos, who initially gave officers a false name, had an active warrant and had been trespassed from the store’s properties in February 2025. O’Neil also had an active warrant.

Detective Patrick Leahy and Juvenile Detective Jennifer Lang later located the blue Chevrolet Tahoe believed to have fled the scene. Cyr, the registered owner, was found walking nearby and was taken into custody. Ramos was later located in the area after another call about the fifth suspect. He initially provided a false name and is now facing an additional charge of furnishing false identification information to law enforcement.

During booking, the 45-year-old woman required medical attention and was transported to a local hospital; she will be issued a summons at a later date.

According to court records, Cyr pled not guilty at arraignment Thursday in Taunton District Court. He was released on personal recognizance and has a hearing to review status on May 4th.

Santos failed to appear for arraignment on Thursday.

O’Neil’s arraignment has been rescheduled to June 1st.

Ramos was released on personal recognizance pending his court appearance.

These are only allegations. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The investigation remains active.