East Bridgewater Summer Car Burglary Cases Solved

October 28, 2007

East Bridgewater- During July and August of 2007, East Bridgewater Police investigated at least 24 vehicle burglaries and larcenies from these vehicles in and around the Robins Pond area up to the Hanson town line.  During the summer, investigators from East Bridgewater and Hanson Police conducted a joint investigation of these vehicle burglaries, assisted by detectives from the WEB Major Crimes and Drug Task Force.  Investigators shared information of the car burglaries, possible suspects and conducted extensive surveillance in the area. 

Investigators developed a pattern of these burglaries, which were occurring overnight and which were committed mostly to unlocked vehicles.  The suspects were stealing loose change, GPS units, cellular phones, other loose items and in two particular offenses, a loaded .45 caliber handgun and in excess of $1,500.00 cash were stolen.  On August 28th, Abington Police received information which led to the recovery of numerous items stolen from some of the Robins Pond area vehicle burglaries.  Abington Police, East Bridgewater Police and WEB investigators executed a search warrant at 58 Robins Road in East Bridgewater on August 28th as part of their investigation. 

 Jason Donoghue, age 30, a resident at 58 Robins Road and several others were later charged with Receiving Stolen Property by East Bridgewater and Abington Police as part of their investigation.  Although investigators were able to recover items stolen from some of the East Bridgewater victim vehicles, investigators believed that there was another, unrelated group of suspects involved in a large number of the vehicle burglaries, separate from Mr Donoghue and the other suspects charged by Abington Police.  East Bridgewater and Hanson investigators continued to work on the investigation through September and October.  In mid-October, Hanson Police received information which led investigators to search a pond in Hanson, which investigators believed contained items stolen from the vehicle burglaries which occurred over the summer in East Bridgewater and Hanson. 

From October 22nd through the 25th, a search and recovery operation for evidence was initiated by Hanson Police Chief Edward Savage.  Hanson and Halifax Fire Department personnel, including dive team members were able to locate and recover a speaker box, which contained numerous items later confirmed to have been stolen in the car burglaries.  Among the items recovered was the.45 caliber firearm, stolen from an unlocked vehicle in August in East Bridgewater.As a result, on Thursday, October 25th, investigators from East Bridgewater and Hanson Police arrested Mr Ryan McNeil, age 19, a resident of #497 East Washington Street, Hanson.  Mr McNeil was located and arrested by investigators at a residence on Keith Place in East Bridgewater.  Mr McNeil was charged by East Bridgewater Police with Larceny of a Firearm and Breaking and Entering a Vehicle in the Nighttime.  This week, East Bridgewater Police will also be charging a 20-year old Hanson male for the same offenses.

 Investigators believe with the conclusion of these two investigations, they have identified and charged the individuals responsible for all 24 car burglaries that occurred in East Bridgewater in July and August.  East Bridgewater Police Chief John E Cowan praised the proactive, extensive efforts by investigators from the East Bridgewater, Hanson, and Abington Police Departments, assisted by the WEB Task Force.  Lead investigators in this case were East Bridgewater Detective Paul O’Brien, Hanson Sgt Michael Casey, Hanson Detective Steven Gorman, and Hanson Patrol Officer Paul O’Brien.This investigation showed yet another successful example when local police departments take a multi-jurisdictional approach in fostering investigations through cooperation with one another.  Criminals do not acknowledge jurisdictional barriers when committing their crimes and for law enforcement to be successful, this type of multi-jurisdictional approach needs to continue.

 East Bridgewater Detectives encourage anyone who was a victim of these car burglaries this past summer in the area between Robins Pond and the Hudson Street area near the Hanson town line, to contact the East Bridgewater Detective Division at 508-378-1641.  Victims should ask to speak with lead investigator, Detective Paul O’Brien, to make arrangements to view the recovered property so that investigators can positively identify this property.

All Defendants are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEB Task Force Arrests 7 in “Operation Craigslist”

Wednesday, August 08, 2007 

West Bridgewater-Investigators assigned to the WEB Major Crimes and Drug Task Force, consisting of detectives from the three Bridgewaters, made a series of prostitution related arrests linked to the internet on Wednesday night in West Bridgewater.  Over the past several months, East Bridgewater Police/WEB Detective and lead investigator Michael Jenkins, the units’ computer investigator specialist, had initiated an undercover prostitution investigation with numerous suspects advertising their illicit activities on “Craigslist” located under erotic services.  “Craigslist is a centralized network of online urban communities, featuring free classified advertisements (with jobs, internships, housing, personals, for sale/barter/wanted, services, community, gigs, resume, and pets categories) and forums by various topics.

Detective Jenkins initiated this investigation based upon intelligence and information received from various sources that indicated dozens of illegal escort services are presently operating in and around the Bridgewaters, utilizing Craigslist services.  Several other area police departments have conducted similar operations in the surrounding area within the past several months.  On Wednesday, Detective Jenkins’ investigation came to a conclusion, resulting in 4 separate undercover operations throughout the afternoon and evening hours.  During the 4 separate undercover operations, a total of 7 persons were arrested for Engaging in Sexual Conduct for a Fee.  A total of 10 arrest warrants were discovered by investigators on these arrested individuals.  At least three suspects were found to have prior drug cases and two suspects were discovered to have had prior arrests for prostitution.  One arrested individual was discovered to have an arrest warrant from the state of Georgia for Prostitution.

Prostitution and drug offenses historically have gone hand and hand with one another.  WEB Investigators often see these offenses completed in conjunction with one another and along with other crimes which affect many area residents, including larcenies, burglaries, drug offenses and motor vehicle offenses.  Wednesday’s WEB investigation was initiated to target “Quality of Life” issues that affect residents within the Bridgewaters on a daily basis, often times undetected.WEB investigators where shocked by the amount of South Shore Massachusetts postings on Craigslists erotic service section and the response from females/males attempting to perform sexual acts for money. During two of tonight’s arrests, two female suspects arrived with male companions who were described by the suspects as providing “security” for the females. 

 Arrested during Wednesday’s operation were the following persons for Engaging in Sexual Conduct for a Fee and other charges as listed below; 

1)      Erin O’Reilly, age 34, 864 Plymouth Street, Middleboro; also discovered were 5 arrest warrants

2)      Michael Rowe, age 18, 419 Central Ave, Blackwood, New Jersey

3)      Stephanie Bottaro, age 22, 34B Nelson Street, Randolph, MA

4)      Michelle McBain, age 28, 36 Maple Street, Marlboro, MA, also discovered were 2 warrants, including 1 for Prostitution out of the state of Georgia

5)      Scott Mezoff, age 44, 17 King Phillip Rd, Worcester, MA

6)      Amanda Burgess, age 18, 664 E Center St, E Taunton

7)      Tiffany Burgess, age 26, 54 E Walnut St, Taunton 

Approximately $3,000.00 cash was seized from the suspects, alleged by WEB investigator’s to be monies obtained during illegal prostitution offenses.  By 7:30 pm on Wednesday night, WEB investigators discovered a posting on Craigslist, which indicated to other Craigslist users that police officers were conducting a sting in the Bridgewaters.  This posting identified the undercover officer’s Craigslist user name and identified an address that was utilized during the undercover operation.  After Thursday’s arraignments charges have been amended and re-filed by WEB detectives in Brockton District Court against Mr Rowe, Mr Mezoff, and Tiffany Burgess for violating MA General Law Chapter 272 Section 7, Deriving Support from Prostitution.West Bridgewater Sgt Detective Victor Flaherty, the task force’ commanding officer, can be contacted for further information at 508-894-1293 on Wednesdays arrests. 

 

All Defendants are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEB Executes Marijuana Search Warrant in Bridgewater

August 6, 2007

Bridgewater-Following a two month long investigation into Marijuana distribution in the Bridgewater center area, W.E.B. Task Force officers obtained a search warrant for 18 Stetson Street, Apartment #1.   At approximately 12:30am on Sunday, officers executed the search warrant and seized two scales, packaging materials, cash, a large amount of drug paraphernalia, as well as two small containers of Marijuana.   Arrested at the scene were Jason W. Spencer, age 30, 18 Stetson St. Apt. #1, Bridgewater, Ma., who was charged with one count of Distributing a Class D Substance, and Michael Krovitz, age 25, 111 Hayward Street, Bridgewater, MA., who was charged with one count of Possession of a Class D Substance.  A third person will also be issued a criminal summons in relation to the distribution operation. 

During the investigation and surveillance, officers observed several transactions take place at the apartment doorway, mostly during the late evening and early morning hours.  Many of the customers observed arrived on foot or on bicycle.

The investigation was conducted by West Bridgewater Police Det. Tim Nixon, Bridgewater Police Sgt. Tom LaGrasta, and Bridgewater Police Ofcr. Robert Bailey.  Assisting with the search warrant were East Bridgewater Police Ofcrs. Paul O’Brien and Mike Jenkins, West Bridgewater Police Ofcr. Russ Regan, as well as Bridgewater Police Canine Ofcr. Steve Kingsley. 

All Defendants are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEB Shuts Down Youth Marijuana Suppliers

December 2, 2006 

Bridgewater- On Friday night, December 1st, investigators assigned to the WEB Major Crimes and Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at a Bridgewater residence that had been the subject of an extensive drug distribution investigation.  WEB investigators, led by case officer, Bridgewater Officer Thomas LaGrasta, had been conducting surveillance of #14 Beal Road, Bridgewater for the past several months.  WEB investigators had received information that a resident at this location was involved in selling marijuana to local youths in the area.  Detectives gathered information that drug customers of a resident of #14 Beal Road that had been frequenting this location to purchase marijuana were between the ages of 15 and 25 years of age. 

Officer LaGrasta sought and received a search warrant at Brockton District Court based upon the investigators extensive surveillance and other law enforcement tactics.  On Friday night, around 10 pm, WEB investigators from the Bridgewater, West Bridgewater and East Bridgewater Police Departments, in concert with Bridgewater Patrol officers executed the search warrant at #14 Beal Road.  Upon executing the warrant, officers located inside the residence, Mr Anthony Ellis, a 20-year old resident of #14 Beal Road, and 5 other youths and young adults.  Investigators searched the residence and located a quantity of marijuana and distributing packaging materials, which they suspect belonged to Mr Ellis.  Mr Ellis was arrested and charged with Possession of Marijuana with the Intent to Distribute and Distribution of Marijuana.   

Investigators arrested the five other individuals present at the residence for Possession of Marijuana.  These individuals include, Damion Paxton, age 29, #62 Curve Street, Brockton, Jacqueline Norian, age 19, #59 Bedford Street, Bridgewater, Matthew Fruzzetti, age 19, 1531 Old Pleasant Street, Bridgewater, a 13-year old male, and a 15-year old male.  Investigators developed information that some of the 5 other individuals arrested with Mr Ellis were present at this location in order to purchase marijuana.  While officers were executing the search warrant, other area youths were approaching the Beal Road residence, that investigators believe had intended to purchase marijuana at this location.  Officers assisting Officer LaGrasta in this investigation included, West Bridgewater Police Sgt Detective Vic Flaherty, Bridgewater Sgt Detective Chris Delmonte, WBPD Detective Timothy Nixon, East Bridgewater Detective Paul O’Brien,  EBPD Officer David Perrault, Bridgewater Officer Kelly Robson, Bridgewater K9 Officer Stephen Kingsley, and two Department of Corrections K9 officers.

 

A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ecstasy Busts in West Bridgewater

November 8, 2006

West Bridgewater- WEB Major Crimes and Drug Task Force detectives arrested two 18-year old Brockton males and an unidentified female after they were involved in the sale of suspected Ecstasy tablets to an undercover WEB officer while in West Bridgewater on Wednesday evening. WEB Detectives, assisted by West Bridgewater patrol officers, arrested Robert Owens, age 18, #391 Forest Ave, Brockton and Denis Rath, age 18, #62 Orchard St, Brockton and an unidentified female who were all occupants in a vehicle driven by the female in South Plaza on North Main Street at approximately 6 pm.    Wednesday’s arrests were made without incident.  

Lead WEB Detectives, West Bridgewater Detective Timothy Nixon and East Bridgewater Detective Paul O’Brien, had been investigating Mr Rath and Mr Owens over the past several months based on information that they had received indicating that the pair were distributing Ecstasy in and around the Bridgewaters and Brockton area.  

On Wednesday evening, officers stopped a Ford coupe driven by the unidentified female and occupied by Mr Owens and Mr Rath, immediately after Mr Owens was observed selling 25 suspected Ecstasy tablets to an undercover WEB officer.  The seized Ecstasy is valued by investigators at approximately $400.00.  Detectives Nixon and O’Brien developed information during their investigation that the “E” tablets were being sold from $10-$15 per tablet. 

 Mr Rath and Mr Owens were each transported to the West Bridgewater Police Station and charged by WEB Detectives with Conspiracy to Violate the Drug Laws, Distribution of Ecstasy and Possession of Marijuana.  Mr Rath’s marijuana possession offense is a subsequent offense.  The female driver was charged by WEB Detectives with marijuana possession.  WEB Detectives had been conducting surveillance of Mr Rath and Mr Owens since the beginning of this fall related to their suspected sales of Ecstasy.  

Ecstasy, once the drug of choice in the late 90’s among teenagers and young adults, is a synthetic drug whose primary effects include inducing a general sense of openness, empathy, energy, euphoria, and well-being.  In the late 90’s, Ecstasy rapidly became one of the four most widely used illegal drugs in the U.S., along with cocaine, heroin, and marijuana.    Ecstasy’s initial adoption by the dance club sub-culture was mainly due to the enhancement of the overall social and musical experience.  Its dance club use quickly spread to mainstream use. 

Although for the past several years, WEB investigators and other drug detectives throughout the south shore have been regularly targeting heroin, oxycontin, and cocaine distribution investigations, tonight’s arrests show that Ecstasy is still available and that a market still exists for it among local young adults in this area. 

The WEB Task Force is entering its eighth year in existence.  The task force is made up of more than 10 investigators from the three Bridgewaters, whose primary purpose is to proactively investigate drug-related offenses within the three towns.  The W.E.B. is one of many multi-jurisdictional task forces administered by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety.  The main purpose of the multi-jurisdictional approach, which has been successful over the past 8 years, is to foster enforcement through cooperation in a cost effective manner.  The WEB conducts investigations with various local, state, and federal agencies and drug investigators.  More information regarding the WEB Task Force can be found on-line at www.webtaskforce.org. 

 Also assisting in Wednesday’s arrests were West Bridgewater Police Officers Russell Regan and Richard Flaherty.  Questions regarding this and other Task Force operations can be directed first to Sgt Detective Victor Flaherty of the West Bridgewater Police Department, 508-894-1293, vflaherty@wbpd.com or Sgt Detective Scott Allen of the East Bridgewater Police Department, 508-378-1641, sallen@ebmass.com. 

A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Crack Distribution Brockton Enterprise Article link as published in newspaper on November 25, 2005.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marijuana and Cocaine Distribution Arrests at Next Door Neighbors

November 2, 2005

East Bridgewater-Detectives assigned to the WEB Major Crimes and Drug Task Force executed two search warrants last night on Summer Street in East Bridgewater related to cocaine and marijuana sales by two East Bridgewater residents.  Investigators, including case officer EBPD Detective Paul O'Brien, obtained search warrants for apartments at #531 Summer Street and #539 Summer Street related to separate cocaine and marijuana investigations.  Both locations had independently been subject to extensive surveillance for the last several months by WEB investigators.

Officers executed the search warrants simultaneously at approximately 5:40 pm Tuesday night.  Upon initiating a search at a second floor apartment at #531 Summer Street, investigators arrested a resident and the cocaine distribution's main suspect, Bryan Donachie, age 26, for Possession with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine and Possession of Marijuana.  Mr Donachie, when arrested, had several hundred dollars worth of cocaine in his pants pocket.  Additionally, significant evidence corroborating Mr Donachie's suspected cocaine sales were seized by WEB investigators from his apartment, including drug packaging and a scale.

Upon initiating the search at a rented apartment located above an attached garage at #539 Summer Street, investigators arrested the apartment's resident, Mr Matthew Yahoub, age 26, for Possession with the Intent to Distribute Marijuana.  Several ounces of individually packaged marijuana, approximately $2,000.00 cash, drug packaging and a scale were among the evidence seized from Mr Yahoub's apartment during the search.

During the course of the investigation, detectives learned that this past summer, Mr Yahoub had resided in an apartment at #531 Summer Street, where police believe Mr Yahoub was also engaging in marijuana sales, prior to moving next door.

These drug investigations are yet another example of the joint proactive efforts, led by the three Bridgewater's Chiefs of Police in aggressively investigating drug crimes occurring within the Bridgewaters.

WEB investigators assisting in the investigation included East Bridgewater Police Detective Sgt Scott Allen, Detective Paul O'Brien, Officers Tom Flint and Michael Jenkins; Bridgewater Detective Sgt Chris Delmonte and Detective Joseph Demoura; West Bridgewater Detective Sgt Victor Flaherty, Officers Timothy Nixon and Tom Richmond.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increased WEB Task Force Drug Arrests

Thursday, August 25, 2005 

East Bridgewater-WEB Task Force investigators and East Bridgewater Police executed a search warrant late Wednesday night of a shed and house, both located at #252 Elm Street in East Bridgewater.  WEB detectives had suspected that a local East Bridgewater male resident was utilizing this location in order to operate a  “home grow” marijuana operation. 

WEB investigators had received information that alleged that Mr John Keith, age 20, a resident of #252 Elm Street, had been growing marijuana from within a “grow room”, which was located inside of a shed located on his family’s residential property.  WEB investigators obtained a search warrant for Mr Keith’s bedroom and the shed on Wednesday evening.  Upon executing the search warrant late Wednesday night, investigators located a “marijuana grow room”, located inside a concealed room, hidden inside the shed from view by “studded, plywood walls.”  The grow room contained several operable 400-amp “grow lights”, a fan and ventilation system, and water and power sources, all which were needed to grow marijuana plants inside the shed.

 Investigators located several, approximately 6-foot tall, marijuana plants and various marijuana cultivation paraphernalia inside of the shed.  Investigators also located a small quantity of marijuana inside Mr Keith’s bedroom as well as a book entitled, “The Cannabais Grower’s Bible.”  Mr Keith was placed under arrested by WEB and East Bridgewater officers for Possession with the Intent to Distribute/Cultivate Marijuana  and Possession of Marijuana.

 Subsequent interviews with residents at Mr Keith’s home indicated that within the past two months, the residents have been regularly blowing fuses while using a kitchen toaster and they have also noticed that the electrical bill has increased by approximately 33% since June.  Investigators determined that the “Grow Room’s” power source was being supplied by an electrical outlet in the family dwelling, near the kitchen.  Mr Keith was released early Thursday morning on $140.00 cash bail and is due to be arraigned in Brockton District Court on Friday.

 This is fifth separate drug investigation, which has resulted in arrests and drug seizures initiated by WEB Task Force investigators since the first week in July.  On July 8th, WEB investigators and West Bridgewater Police seized from a room at the West Bridgewater Motel on South Main Street, quantities of heroin, needles, and cocaine that resulted in 4 suspects being charged with various drug related offenses.  WEB investigators allege that one of the four suspects, Mr Kurt Kisielius, age 21, formerly of East Bridgewater, had been involved in distributing cocaine and using heroin in this motel room.  Mr Kisielius was charged with various drug related offenses in Brockton District Court by WEB investigators, including Distribution of Heroin to a Minor, based upon information detectives developed that supported that a 15-year old female had been injected with heroin by Mr Kisielius while inside the motel room. 

On July 27th, WEB investigators, led by Bridgewater Detective Joseph Demoura and West Bridgewater Officer Timothy Nixon, arrested Mr Jose Centeio, age 22, #15 Newbury Street, Brockton on North Main Street in West Bridgewater as a result of a series of crack cocaine sales that Mr Centeio had made to an undercover WEB investigator over the prior few weeks.  A joint-investigation with the Brockton Narcotics Unit and State Police Detectives resulted in the execution of a related search warrant at #38 Grove Street, first floor rear, in Brockton, where 3 other males were arrested on related drug charges.  Two vehicles used by Mr Centeio to sell crack cocaine to the WEB detective were seized as a result of additional search warrants, and are presently awaiting forfeiture proceedings initiated by District Attorney Timothy Cruz’s Office. 

On July 30th, WEB investigators executed search warrants at two-related local locations, one in East Bridgewater at #67 Maple Avenue, and a second located at #156 South Main Street in West Bridgewater.  Both locations had been subject to extensive surveillance by WEB investigators related to a marijuana distribution investigation involving many young adults within the Bridgewaters.  Investigators allege that Mr Douglas Lowe, age 19, #67 Maple Ave and Mr Matthew Medeiros, age 20 #156 South Main Street, had been involved in marijuana transactions with various young adult residents of the Bridgewaters over the prior weeks and/or months at both locations.  Upon executing the search warrants, investigators seized marijuana and other evidence corroborating information detective’s received that these sales had occurred at both locations.  Mr Lowe was arrested at the East Bridgewater location for Marijuana Distribution and Possession.  Mr Medeiros was arrested at the West Bridgewater location for Marijuana Possession.  Both subjects were released on bail.

 On August 2nd, WEB investigators executed a search warrant at #83 Broadmeadow Drive in East Bridgewater, where they arrested a resident, Mr William Petitpas, age 25, for Distribution of Oxycontin and Possession with the Intent to Distribute Oxycontin.  Upon executing the search warrant, detectives seized numerous Oxycontin and Suboxone tablets from Mr Petitpas, in addition to obtaining other incriminating evidence supporting Mr Petitpas’ alleged involvement in Oxcyontin sales originating and occurring at this residence.  Suboxone, is a Class B substance within Massachusetts General Laws, which is prescribed to assist the treatment of persons addicted to Opiates.  WEB investigators have seen an increased use and seizure of Suboxone tablets recently, as the use of Heroin and Oxycontin increases among the local young adult population.  

The recent WEB drug-related suspects were arrested and or summonsed within the jurisdiction of Brockton District Court.  The WEB Task Force, at the leadership of the three Bridgewaters Police Chiefs, are committed to their continued efforts to jointly, proactively investigate drug-related crimes within the Bridgewaters in cooperation with neighboring law enforcement agencies and their investigators.

 A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Further information can be obtained from Sgt Detective Victor Flaherty, West Bridgewater Police Department, 508-894-1293; Sgt Detective Chris Delmonte, Bridgewater Police Department, 508-697-6118; or Sgt Detective Scott Allen, East Bridgewater Police Department, 508-378-1641

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEB COCAINE ARRESTS CONTINUE IN BRIDGEWATERS

May 7, 2005

Bridgewater- On Friday evening, officers with the Bridgewater, East Bridgewater, West Bridgewater, and Raynham Police Departments executed four search warrants in the Bridgewaters and Raynham related to an on-going cocaine distribution investigation.  Friday’s raids was the third, in a series of related cocaine cases, resulting in arrests and seizures from an on-going WEB Drug Task Force-led investigation that was first initiated in the Bridgewaters back in the Fall of 2004.  Information led to the identification of Mr Daniel Libby, age 24, of #137 Chestnut Farms Way in Raynham who has been suspected of distributing cocaine in all three Bridgewaters, Raynham and surrounding towns for the past year or more. 

Initially, in February of 2005, WEB investigators executed search warrants in East Bridgewater and Bridgewater that led to cocaine seizures that resulted in Cocaine Trafficking charges being filed against Mr Brian Spaulding, age 25, #385 Walnut Street, East Bridgewater that are presently pending in Brockton District Court.  Approximately 28-grams of cocaine were seized in that case, among other supporting drug evidence.  Mr Spaulding was suspected of selling cocaine to many young adults in the three Bridgewaters, including at several area bars. 

Also, in February 2005, WEB investigators executed a subsequent related search warrant of Mr David Lima’s, age 26, West Bridgewater residence located at #147 Turnpike Street following the Spaulding raids.  A search of Mr Lima’s residence resulted in the seizure of in excess of 140 grams of cocaine and an illegal handgun.  These WEB charges are also pending in Brockton District Court.

Information developed from the Spaulding and Lima investigations indicated that many of the same “customers” in the Bridgewaters were utilizing Spaulding, Lima and/or Mr Libby as alleged cocaine “sources.”  Information developed from the Spaulding and Lima investigations assisted in initiating the Libby investigation.

            Mr Libby was arrested without incident Friday night in the driveway of #249 Main Street, Bridgewater, during the middle of a suspected cocaine sale by WEB investigators.  A bag of cocaine and other evidence was seized from Mr Libby and his vehicle, a 2000 Ford Explorer, which was also seized.  Investigators will be initiating forfeiture proceedings through Plymouth District Attorney’s Timothy Cruz Asset Forfeiture unit as Mr Libby is suspected of completing drug sales from this vehicle.  Mr Libby was arrested and charged Friday night with Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and Distribution of Cocaine and was transported and processed at the Bridgewater Police Station.  Mr Libby’s bail was set at $240.00 cash.

            WEB investigators have been conducting extensive surveillance of Mr Libby for the past several months.  During this time period, investigators have watched Mr Libby complete suspected cocaine sales at various locations in Bridgewater, including residences and several businesses, including inside the establishments or in the parking lots of several area bars.  In addition, Mr Libby has been observed making suspected drug “deliveries” in East Bridgewater, West Bridgewater, and Raynham, among other locations.  Investigators seized evidence Friday night supporting these alleged drug sales, cocaine “cutting agents” and other corroborative evidence of Mr Libby’s alleged activities based from his Raynham apartment.

            While one team of officers was searching Mr Libby’s residence, two other teams of officers simultaneously executed search warrants of two residences linked directly to Mr Libby and his suspected cocaine sales.  Officers seized cocaine with a street value of approximately $1,000.00, approximately one-pound of marijuana, drug scales, in excess of $1,500.00 cash, Xanax tablets, and cellular phones from these two locations, identified as #279 Broad Street, Apartment #1 in Bridgewater and #640 East Street, Apartment #1 in West Bridgewater.

            Arrested during these search warrants was Jason Peter, age 32, #640 East Street and Edward Dicenso, age 27, #279 Broad Street.  Mr Peter was charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, and Possession with Intent to Distribute Xanax.  Mr Dicenso was charged with one count of Distribution of Cocaine.  Bail was also set at $240.00 cash on both suspects.

            Investigators had developed information during this investigation that indicated that Mr Libby suspected that he was presently under police surveillance, information, which has been supported during subsequent interviews.  As a result, investigators believe that Mr Libby was recently utilizing numerous associate residences as “stash” houses, for fear of pending police action against him.

            Task Force supervising investigators Sgt Detective Victor Flaherty and Sgt Detective Christopher Delmonte praised the joint efforts of the WEB investigators with patrol officers from each of the three Bridgewaters, and Raynham Police Detectives.  Critical information, which led to the issuance of Friday’s search warrants was developed from street level information from numerous officers. 

Friday’s warrants and the prior related cases against Mr Spaulding and Mr Lima, collectively have resulted in six cocaine distribution related arrests, the seizure of in excess of 170 grams of cocaine, the seizure of in excess of $5,000.00 cash in drug proceeds, one seized vehicle, and a seized gun, all which is directly linked to cocaine sales that are both originating from locations within the Bridgewaters to “customers” residing in the Bridgewaters.  Without the ability of the officers in the Bridgewaters to pool their resources and work with one another in each other’s towns, theses productive investigations targeting significant drug dealers would not be possible.

            Officers involved in the arrests and investigation: Bridgewater: Sgt Detective Delmonte, Detective Joe Demoura, Officer Kelley Robson, Officer George Zannelletto, Detective Chris Shaw, East Bridgewater: Sgt Detective Scott Allen, Officers Paul O’Brien, Michael Jenkins, and Tom Flint; West Bridgewater: Sgt Detective Victor Flaherty, Officer Richard Flaherty; Raynham: Det Sgt David Bonnaparte and Det Bill Donnolly.

A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gym "Car Burglar" Caught in the Act

February 15, 2005 

West Bridgewater- During the early morning hours on Tuesday, investigators from the WEB Major Crimes and Drug Task Force arrested a man, Maurice Smith, age 42, #775 Bedford Street, East Bridgewater, who is suspected of having burglarized numerous vehicles that were parked at various workout gyms within the 3 Bridgewaters recently.  Within the past two months, WEB investigators have been jointly investigating 5 or more vehicle burglaries that have occurred in local gym parking lots while the vehicle’s owners have been inside the gyms working out.  Investigators developed a pattern of the breaks and identified Mr Smith as a suspect after viewing Mr Smith on surveillance tapes of an East Bridgewater Cumberland Farms discarding one of these vehicle burglary victim’s pocketbooks near the store's gas pumps. 

Mr Smith, who is known to local officers, was identified from the store’s surveillance tape and put under police surveillance by detectives.  Leading up to Tuesday’s arrest, investigators had first followed Mr Smith to the Raynham Athletic Club on Route 44 in Raynham.  Mr Smith appeared readying himself to complete another vehicle break, but due to the heavy volume of traffic in the RAC parking lot, investigators believe Mr Smith was scared off.  Officers continued to follow Mr Smith from Raynham to USA Fitness on Main Street in West Bridgewater, where Sgt Detective Victor Flaherty of the West Bridgewater Police observed Mr Smith burglarizing a gym patron’s vehicle in the parking lot around 6:45 a.m.   Sgt Det Flaherty and EBPD Sgt Det Scott Allen stopped Mr Smith in his vehicle with assistance from EBPD Officers Sgt Tom Reed and Richard Eldredge, a short distance away in East Bridgewater. 

Mr Smith was arrested as a result for the West Bridgewater offense.  Investigators later confirmed and charged Mr Smith for 5 prior vehicle car burglaries, three which occurred at the East Bridgewater YMCA on Route 106 and 2 which occurred at Bridgewater Fitness on Route 18 within the past two months.  Investigators believe that Mr Smith was monitoring these gym patrons exiting their vehicles and entering the gym and selected their vehicles seeking pocketbooks and/or wallets, some of which had been left in plain view.  The victim’s of these crimes had cash taken from their purses and/or wallets, but there did not appear to be any criminal activity on any of the victim’s credit cards or any type of identity fraud.  Investigators believe Mr Smith was looking to steal cash and not possess any stolen items, which could be traced back to him. 

Bridgewater Sgt Detective Christopher Delmonte and Detective Carl McDermott and East Bridgewater Police Officers Tom Flint and Michael Jenkins assisted in this joint-investigation. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Major Cocaine Distributor Arrested

 West Bridgewater- On February 25, 2005 after a lengthy investigation, investigators from the W.E.B. Major Crimes and Drug Task Force, which is an investigative grant funded unit comprised of detectives from the West Bridgewater, East Bridgewater and Bridgewater Police Departments, executed a “No Knock” search warrant at #147 Turnpike Street, West Bridgewater early Thursday morning. Information obtained by investigators indicated that Mr David Lima, age 26, was distributing cocaine from this location, which investigator's learned is Mr Lima's residence.

At approximately 4:00 am, W.E.B. investigators along with the Bridgewater Police Department high risk entry tactical unit executed this No Knock warrant at #147 Turnpike Street. This tactical unit along with WEB detectives executed the No Knock search warrant and quickly located and secured Mr Lima in his 2nd floor bedroom.

According to West Bridgewater Detective Sergeant Victor Flaherty, the Bridgewater tactical unit was utilized by WEB investigators due to prior information within Mr Lima’s lengthy criminal history and recent information that Lima possessed high capacity weapons. Investigators are pleased with the arrest and feel that a dangerous and lengthy career criminal is off the street with this arrest.

During the search of the home, approximately 140 grams of cocaine were located along with several thousand dollars in cash, which investigators believe are proceeds from Mr Lima’s cocaine distribution.  In addition, a large volume of suspected anabolic steroids, hypodermic needles, and various other prescription pills were seized. 

Mr Lima was placed under arrest and later charged with Trafficking Cocaine in Excess of 100 grams, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Possession with the Intent to Distribute Class E drugs, and Possession of Hypodermic Needles.

During Mr Lima’s arrest, officers located a loaded, high capacity semi-automatic handgun in close proximity to Mr Lima, who was in his bed at the time.  Mr Lima is currently being held at the West Bridgewater Police Department pending his arraignment at Brockton District Court.

Officers involved in the arrest were Detective Sergeant Victor Flaherty, Detective Sergeant Scott Allen, Detective Sergeant Christopher Delmonte, Detective Mike Jenkins, Detective Paul O’Brien, Detective Thomas Flint, Detective Steve Gorman, Officer Kenneth Thaxter, Officer Richard Flaherty and tactical team officers Carl McDermott, Robert Bailey, Steve Kingsley, and Larry Bresciani.

 

 

 

 

 

 

DRUG TRAFFICKING CHARGES SOUGHT AGAINST COUPLE 

West Bridgewater, MA-Investigators assigned to the WEB Major Crimes and Drug Task Force, along with Brockton Police Detectives, executed two search warrants on Friday afternoon related to a month-long heroin distribution investigation initiated by Bridgewater Police Detective Joseph Demoura.  Detective Demoura had received information that residents of the Bridgewaters and other surrounding greater Brockton area towns had been purchasing heroin from a male and female tandem, who were based in Brockton, but were traveling in and around the surrounding towns to complete their drug sales. 

As a result, an undercover officer assigned to the WEB Task Force made several heroin purchases from this couple in the Bridgewaters, which led to the identification of the couple’s suspected base of operation, #160 Pine Grove Drive in Brockton.  A Mazda sedan was also identified and utilized to complete these undercover heroin sales.  Detective Demoura obtained search warrants on Friday from Brockton District Court for the residence at #160 Pine Grove Drive and the Mazda sedan. 

At approximately 3 pm, Mr. David Hidalgo, age 34, #160 Pine Grove Drive, was arrested on Route 106 near Route 24 in West Bridgewater, after officers executed the search warrant of the Mazda sedan that Mr. Hidalgo was operating.  Mr. Hidalgo was charged as a result of 4 heroin sales he had made to the undercover WEB officer.  Mr. Hidalgo, when arrested, had had in his possession a quantity of heroin, in excess of $700.00 cash, and other items utilized to assist his heroin sales, including a cellular phone, which continued to ring after his arrest with calls coming in from many suspected drug customers. 

After Mr. Hidalgo was transported back to the West Bridgewater Police Station for booking procedures, WEB investigators, led by West Bridgewater Sgt Detective Victor Flaherty, traveled to #160 Pine Grove Drive in Brockton where they executed the second search warrant of the residence.  Mr. Hidalgo’s female companion, Ms Ivy Rodriguez, age 36, was present during the execution of this search warrant.  Officers located approximately 15 grams of heroin and approximately 16 grams of cocaine secreted in the kitchen cabinets, identified as the shared residence of Mr. Hidalgo and Ms Rodriguez.  In addition to the significant quantities of heroin and cocaine seized within various packages consistent with distribution parcels, approximately $1,000.00 cash was located as well as other evidence supporting drug sales. 

Ms Rodriguez was arrested at the Brockton residence and booked at the Brockton Police Station for Conspiracy to Violate the Drug Laws, Trafficking in Excess of 14 grams of both Heroin and Cocaine.  Ms Rodriguez’ bail was later set at $10,040.00 cash.  In addition to Mr. Hidalgo’s (4) counts of Heroin Distribution in the Bridgewaters, he was also charged with Conspiracy to Violate the Drug Laws and Trafficking in Excess of 14 grams of both Heroin and Cocaine, as a result of the seizures at his and Ms Rodriguez’ apartment.  Mr. Hidalgo was held on no bail.  

WEB investigators seized the Mazda sedan under the state’s drug distribution forfeiture laws and investigators will move to seize the vehicle through the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office.  This heroin distribution investigation was the result of the WEB Task Force’ continued committed efforts to identify heroin distributors who are responsible for supplying this drug to residents within the Bridgewaters, a drug that continues to plague many local residents.  Within the past several months, there has been a “spike” in heroin-related overdoses, including several suspected heroin overdoses resulting in death or serious injuries within the Bridgewaters and surrounding towns. 

This investigation was another successful case resulting from the cooperative efforts of the WEB Task Force and Brockton Detectives, including the Brockton Narcotics Unit.  Investigators assisting in the investigation included West Bridgewater Officer Greg Ames, East Bridgewater Officers Tom Flint, Paul O’Brien, and Michael Jenkins, Bridgewater Detective Carl MacDermott, and Brockton Detectives Michael Damiano and Eric Clark. 

WEB investigators, while conducting follow-up work related to Friday’s heroin distribution arrests of a boyfriend-girlfriend tandem (David Hidalgo and Ivy Rodriguez), learned that the male who had been arrested under the name of Mr. David Hidalgo, age 34, #160 Pine Grove Drive, was found by the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department fingerprint unit to have been arrested in 2000 under the name Mr. Jose Medina-Ruiz.  Mr. Medina-Ruiz, age 27, was arrested on Cocaine Trafficking charges by Abington Police on April 18, 2000.  This Abington case is still pending in the Brockton courts. 

 Mr. Medina-Ruiz (aka Mr. Hidalgo) is being held on no bail pending his arraignment in Brockton District Court on Monday morning as a result of the new charges lodged from Friday’s WEB Task Force arrest.  An additional charge of providing a false name to a police officer is expected to be brought against Mr. Medina-Ruiz (Hidalgo) on Monday morning.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEB Play Prominent Role in Busting NJ-south of Boston Oxycontin Ring

Bridgewater-Detectives assigned to the West Bridgewater, East Bridgewater, Bridgewater (The WEB) crime task force arrested a number of local men in connection with a multi-state distribution ring selling Oxycontin. Working with law enforcement authorities in New Jersey, and troopers assigned to the office of Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz, local detectives learned that subjects currently under investigation by the WEB were obtaining the drug Oxycontin from a source in Union County New Jersey.  According to Lieutenant Detective Raymund Rogers of the West Bridgewater Police, detectives followed suspects to various locations on Route 95 in Rhode Island and Connecticut and observed the drug transactions.  The drugs were obtained in quantities of 500 to 2,000 pills during each transaction, which took place two to three times a week.  Oxycontin pills have a street resale value up to $80 each, with a wholesale purchase price as low as $35 per pill.  New Jersey authorities tracked the supply of the illegal drugs to several retail pharmacies in that jurisdiction. 

Utilizing information from New Jersey, Detectives Scott Allen of East Bridgewater, Victor Flaherty of West Bridgewater and Joseph Demoura of Bridgewater followed and observed the transactions over the last several weeks.  “This cooperative effort between the various agencies resulted in the disruption of a major pipeline of Oxycontin into this area”, said Lt. Det. Raymund Rogers who is the supervisor of the WEB Task Force.

Search warrants were issued by the Brockton District court on Wednesday and simultaneous raids took place in Brockton, and Bridgewater on Wednesday night.  WEB detectives along with the Brockton Police Narcotic Squad entered 79 Ellsworth St, Apartment 3E and arrested Ryan Daly, age 22 of that address.  Oxycontin and Marijuana was seized along with 4 cellular phones and $2,800.00 in cash. Daly was charged with being a Fugitive from justice (New Jersey offenses), Possession of Class “B” drugs to distribute, and conspiracy to violate the controlled substance act.

At the same time police raided the apartment of James Fitzgerald, age 27, at 531 Broad Street in Bridgewater.  Oxycontin as well as customer lists and records of drug transactions were seized by police.  “The information obtained from the Bridgewater location surely will result in additional arrests”, stated Lt. Rogers.

While local investigators searched the apartment of Mr. Fitzgerald another team entered his business, Performance Stereo, 419 Crescent St., Brockton.  Additional records and evidence was seized at that location.

As the local search warrants were being executed, search warrants were being executed at a number of locations in New Jersey.  Joseph Baker, age 22 of 17 Willow St., Stoughton and Eric Love, a New Jersey resident were arrested and charged with Distribution of Class “B” drugs.

Thursday morning detectives arrested Matthew Megnia, age 20, and Sean Mullen, age 29, of 54 Sunrise Tr, Stoughton.  Both men were arrested by Detective Sergeant Victor Flaherty as they arrived in West Bridgewater to purchase drugs.  Both men were charged with Conspiracy to Violate the Controlled Substance Act. 

“Our information indicates that these drugs were being sold to college students in the Bridgewater and Brockton area” stated Lt. Rogers.  Both Ryan Daly and Joseph Baker are students at Massassoit Community college in Brockton.  Police had observed a number of short trips by customers to the Bridgewater location and many of those customers were later identified as students attending Bridgewater State College. Arrest warrants have been issued for James Fitzgerald of Bridgewater for being a Fugitive from Justice based on numerous pending drug charges in New Jersey.  Additional arrests are expected as a result of the information obtained during the search warrants.  Additional drug charges will be filed by the Bridgewater Police concerning Mr. Fitzgerald as a result of the search warrant Wednesday night.

The WEB task force is funded by a grant from the Executive Officer of Public Safety.  The towns of West Bridgewater, Bridgewater, and East Bridgewater all participate in the program with West Bridgewater serving as the lead agency.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BRIDGEWATER RESIDENT ARRESTED ON NEW JERSEY FUGITIVE WARRANT

BRIDGEWATER MA- Interstate fugitive James Fitzgerald Age 27, was arrested early Monday morning by Bridgewater Police Officers Lawrence Bresciani and Robert Bailey.  Fitzgerald was wanted in connection with a WEB Task Force Oxycontin drug investigation several days ago.  According to Det. Lieutenant Raymund Rogers, Fitzgerald was a major courier of Oxycontin from Connecticut and New Jersey to be re-sold to college students in the greater Brockton area.  In connection with that investigation a Governor’s Warrant was issued by the State if New Jersey charging Fitzgerald with trafficking in controlled substances.  

Police responded at 4:00 AM Monday morning to a 9-1-1 call reporting a possible break in at 531 Broad Street Bridgewater. The residence had been sealed by police after detectives from the WEB Task Force executed a search warrant at the home last Wednesday.  A quantity of drugs as well as documents and customer lists that allegedly tie Fitzgerald into the Oxycontin distribution ring were uncovered during that prior search.  Police found the seal broken on the Broad Street location and the home entered.  Fitzgerald was found in the basement and another subject, Michael Irving, age 28, of 11 Island View Rd in Weymouth was found on the second floor.  

Fitzgerald is also the owner of Performance Stereo of 419 Crescent St., Brockton.  WEB Detectives along with members of the Brockton Police Narcotic Squad raided that location last Wednesday night in addition to the Bridgewater address. Fitzgerald was arrested and charged with: (1) Fugitive from Justice (2) Distribute Class B drugs (3) Distribute Class C drugs and (4) conspiracy to violate the controlled substance act.  Michael Irving was charged with (1) Harboring an interstate felon and (2) Accessory after the fact of a felony.  Both subjects were transported to the Brockton District Court for arraignment.  

Fitzgerald will be entitled to a hearing concerning his extradition to New Jersey to face felony drug charges in that state.  The WEB task force is comprised of Detectives from the three Bridgewater’s.  Det. Lt. Ray Rogers, Det. Sgt. Victor Flaherty, of West Bridgewater, Det. Sgt. Chris Delmonte, Det. Joseph Demoura of Bridgewater, and Det. Sgt. Scott Allen East Bridgewater, all participated in this investigation.  The WEB is funded by a grant from the Executive Office of Public Safety, with West Bridgewater serving as the host agency.

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEB Task Force Arrest Two More Oxycontin Distributors 

BROCKTON, MA-  As a result of evidence from the arrests last week of James Fitzgerald, age 27, of Bridgewater, and Ryan Daily, age 22, of 79 Ellsworth St., Brockton, detectives executed a search warrant this Friday afternoon at the Super 8 Motel in Brockton.  Fitzgerald had been arrested last week when he entered his home at 531 Broad Street Bridgewater at 4:00 AM.  Bridgewater Officer Robert Bailey and Lawrence Bresciani arrested Fitzgerald on a Governors Warrant from New Jersey.  Fitzgerald was held on a $100,000.00 bond.  As of Friday afternoon he was still being held at the Plymouth County House of Correction pending extradition to New Jersey on multiple drug charges.

Today, Det. Lieutenant Raymund Rogers of West Bridgewater, Det. Sgt. Scott Allen of East Bridgewater, Det. Timothy Hanlon of Whitman, Brockton Detective John Lonegan and Det. Sgt. Kevin O’Connell of Brockton made entry into a second floor hotel room at the Super 8 Motel located in the Westgate Mall. 

Police seized $2,000.00 in cash and Oxycontin with a street value of $1,500.00.  Arrested in the hotel room was Philip Rollins, age 21, of 35 David Rd., Carver and Kevin T. Whitaker, age 19, of 78 Washington Tr., Whitman.  Both men were charged with Possession of a Class “B” substance with intent to distribute, Possession of a Class “D” substance with intent to distribute and Conspiracy to violate the Controlled Substance Act.  The drugs seized by police matched the drugs seized in the New Jersey “Dr. Feel Good” operation last week.  According to Det. Lt. Rogers police have the men on video tape meeting with the co-conspirators in the New Jersey drug distribution case.  Detectives will turn over their information to the Federal Authorities for possible criminal charges on the Federal level. 

In an unrelated incident, Detectives, while still at the motel, were called on by the hotel manager to assist with a medical emergency in another room.  Det. Sgt. Allen had to force open the door to a room to assist with the emergency.  As Brockton Police and Ambulance units responded to the medical call, another man, unrelated to both the arrest and the medical emergency, jumped out the second floor window of yet a third room and ran off into a wooded area. Police were not sure at this time why the man fled.  The other man was taken by ambulance to a local hospital.

Chief Donald Clark from West Bridgewater stated, “The W.E.B. Task Force has made a significant impact on criminal activity in our area, the town is pleased with the investment made in this specialized unit.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Task Force Arrests Local College Students on Marijuana Distribution Charges

Bridgewater- This past Wednesday (October 20th), during the early morning hours, investigators assigned to the WEB Major Crimes and Drug Task Force arrested two local Bridgewater State College students related to suspected marijuana sales.  Officers arrested Mr Ryan Benedetto, age 23 and his roommate, Mr Scott Coleman, age 22, after investigators executed a search warrant at their second floor apartment at #127 Main Street in Bridgewater.

            Over the past several months, WEB investigators had been investigating Mr Benedetto and conducting surveillance of his apartment as a result of reports of marijuana sales originating from this location in Bridgewater.  Mr Benedetto was familiar to detectives, as WEB investigators had investigated Mr Benedetto for marijuana distribution activity back in the spring of 2000 when he resided on-campus at BSC.

            During the spring of 2000 investigation, an undercover officer working in cooperation with the WEB Task Force made a marijuana purchase from Mr Benedetto, a resident of Shea Hall, at that time.  Mr Benedetto was not prosecuted at that time, as the school semester ended prior to investigators having the opportunity to arrest Mr Benedetto.

            Recently, lead investigators, Detective Joseph Demoura and Sgt Detective Allen, had re-opened the investigation of Mr Benedetto, based upon information that marijuana sales were originating from Mr Benedetto’s residence.  During the search warrant execution on October 20th, investigators seized in excess of one-pound of marijuana, most of which was high-quality, “Hydroponically grown” marijuana.

Hydroponic marijuana is grown at indoor operations throughout the US and mainly in Canada, in complex nutrient-enriched water systems, which allows growers to have up to three crops a year.  “Hydro” marijuana, as a result of these “watering systems”, contains up to double the THC levels (the primary intoxicant in marijuana that creates the mind-altering effects) than are found in standard, outdoor, soil grown marijuana.

Investigators seized evidence of marijuana distribution activity from this second floor apartment, including digital scales, plastic bags, cellular phones and written notes corroborating marijuana sales.  Detectives arrested Mr Benedetto and charged him with (1) Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana (2) Conspiracy to Violate the Drug Laws (3) Drug Violation in a School Zone (4) Distribution of Marijuana, related to the spring 2000 sale.  Mr Benedetto was arraigned at Brockton District Court later on October 20th, and released on $1,000.00 cash bail.

Mr Coleman was arrested and charged with (1) Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana (2) Conspiracy to Violate the Drug Laws (3) Drug Violation in a School Zone.  Mr Coleman was also arraigned and bailed later on October 20th.

A third resident of the second floor apartment at #127 Main Street, a female BSC student, was also present during the search warrant but was not charged by investigators.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           

 

WEB ARREST BRIGHTON WOMAN DURING DRUG ARREST

BRIDGEWATER MA­-MEMBERS FO THE W.E.B., (WEST BRIDGEWATER, EAST BRIDGEWATER, BRIDGEWATER) CRIME TASK FORCE ARRESTED A 33 YEAR OLD BRIGHTON WOMAN AND CHARGED HER WITH (1) TRAFFICKING IN COCAINE AND (2) DRUG VIOLATION NEAR SCHOOL ZONE.

DETECTIVES FROM THE WEB TASK FORCE HAD BEEN INVESTIGATING A DRUG DELIVERY SERVICE, OPERATING OUT OF BOSTON FOR THE LAST TWO MONTHS. IT HAD BEEN REPORTED TO THE WEB THAT A HISPANIC FEMALE WAS MAKING VARIOUS COCAINE DELIVERS IN THE AREA.  ACTING ON REPORTS FROM ALL THREE OF THE  BRIDGEWATERS, SURVEILLANCE WAS ESTABLISHED ON VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN THE  THOSE COMMUNITIES.

AT 7:30 PM THURSDAY NIGHT DETECTIVE SERGEANT CHRISTOPHER DELMONTE OF THE  BRIDGEWATER POLICE, DETECTIVE JOSEPH DEMOURA OF THE BRIDGEWATER POLICE, ALONG WITH DETECTIVE LIEUTENANT RAYMUND ROGERS AND DETECTIVE SERGEANT VICTOR FLAHERTY OF THE WEST BRIDGEWATER POLICE, AND DETECTIVE SCOTT ALLEN OF THE EAST BRIDGEWATER POLICE ARRESTED THE SUSPECT.

THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT THE INTERSECTION OF MAIN AND OAK STREET IN BRIDGEWATER POLICE.  ARMED WITH A SEARCH WARRANT ISSUED FROM THE BROCKTON DISTRICT COURT, OFFICERS ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE DOORS TO THE VEHICLE, HOWEVER THE OPERATOR REFUSED.  POLICE HAD TO SMASH OUT THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW IN ORDER TO MAKE THE ARREST.  TAKEN INTO CUSTODY WAS SANTA B VILLEGA, AGE 32, OF 81 FANEUIL STREET, APT #229 IN BRIGHTON.  SEIZED FROM HER PERSON WAS 20 GRAMS OF COCAINE AND $1,900.00 IN CASH. THE 1993 GREEN TOYOTA OPERATED BY MS. VILLEGA WAS SEIZED BY POLICE AND WILL BE FORFEITED TO THE TASK FORCE.

             MS. VILLEGA WAS BAILED FROM THE BRIDGEWATER POLICE STATION FOR HER APPEARANCE IN BROCKTON DISTRICT COURT FRIDAY MORNING.  THE WEB TASK FORCE OPERATES ON A GRANT FROM THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF PUBLIC SAFETY.   ASSISTING DETECTIVES DURING THE ARREST WAS OFFICER ROBERT BAILEY OF THE BRIDGEWATER POLICE AND OFFICER THOMAS FLINT OF THE EAST BRIDGEWATER POLICE.

             EACH COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTES $10,000.00 TO THE OPERATION OF THE TASK FORCE, WHICH IS MATCHED BY THE STATE GRANT.  "THIS TYPE OF CRIMINAL ACTIVITY IS LABOR INTENSIVE TO INVESTIGATE AND WITHOUT THE TASK FORCE WE WOULD SIMPLY NOT HAVE THE FUNDS TO PROVIDE THIS LEVEL OF LAW ENFORCEMENT TO THE THREE TOWNS, " SAID LT ROGERS.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.E.B. Arrest Suspected Oxycontin and Cocaine Sellers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 08/07/2004 @ 10:00 AM EDT,

WEST BRIDGEWATER MA­ DETECTIVES FROM THE W.E.B TASK FORCE (BRIDGEWATER, EAST BRIDGEWATER AND WEST BRIDGEWATER) EXECUTED THREE SEARCH WARRANTS FRIDAY NIGHT WHICH RESULTED IN THE ARREST OF TWO SUBJECTS.  DET. SGT. VICTOR FLAHERTY AND DET. SGT. SCOTT ALLEN HAD OBSERVED DRUG TRANSACTIONS TAKING PLACE IN THE PARKING LOT OF THE SHELL GAS STATION, ON ROUTE 106 IN WEST BRIDGEWATER NEAR THE ENTRANCE TO ROUTE 24.

 THE SUBJECTS, A MAN AND A WOMAN WERE SEEN IN A BLACK FORD EXPLORER ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS.  DETECTIVES CONDUCTED SURVEILLANCE OF THE AREA AND OBSERVED THE SUBJECTS MEETING PEOPLE IN THE PARKING LOT AT VARIOUS TIMES OF THE DAY.  OVER THE LAST FOUR WEEKS DETECTIVES FOLLOWED THE TWO SUSPECTS AS THEY ALLEGEDLY MADE DRUG DELIVERIES IN THE THREE BRIDGEWATER'S, BROCKTON, AND AVON.  FRIDAY NIGHT, ARMED WITH THREE SEARCH WARRANTS ISSUED THAT DAY BY BROCKTON DISTRICT COURT, DETECTIVES FIRST SERVED A SEARCH WARRANT AT 2 CHILDERS DRIVE IN WEST BRIDGEWATER.

 THIS FIRST RAID TEAM UNDER THE COMMAND OF LT. RAYMUND ROGERS, WEB TASK FORCE SUPERVISOR, RESULTED IN THE ARREST OF TARA CHILDERS, AGE 25, A RESIDENT OF THAT ADDRESS, AND VICTOR MERLINO, AGE 32, OF 10 KINGSTON ST., BROCKTON. DURING THE SEARCH OF THE HOME DETECTIVES FOUND THE DRUG OXYCONTIN, AMONG OTHER CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES. 

IN ADDITION OF ROGERS, INVOLVED IN THE SEARCH OF THE HOME WAS DETECTIVE SGT. VICTOR FLAHERTY, OFFICER PAUL O'BRIEN OF THE EAST BRIDGEWATER POLICE, AND OFFICERS DANIEL DESMOND AND JOYCE GRAF OF THE WEST BRIDGEWATER POLICE.  POLICE SEIZED MS. CHILDERS 2000 BLACK FORD EXPLORER. 

UNDER THE STATE ASSET FORFEITURE LAW POLICE MAY SEIZE ANY VEHICLE THAT IS USED TO TRANSPORT ILLEGAL DRUGS. POLICE THEN PETITION THE SUPERIOR COURT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE FORFEITED OVER TO THE COMMONWEALTH. 

ACCORDING TO LT. ROGERS, SINCE THE INCEPTION OF THE TASK FORCE 4 YEARS AGO 12 VEHICLES HAVE BEEN SEIZED BY THE WEB.  SOME OF THE VEHICLES ARE LATER SOLD AT AUCTION AND THE FUNDS SPLIT BETWEEN THE THREE WEB POLICE FORCES FOR ADDITIONAL DRUG INVESTIGATIONS.  ON OTHER OCCASIONS THE VEHICLES ARE PUT INTO SERVICE AND USED BY WEB DETECTIVES FOR UNDERCOVER OPERATIONS. 

DISTRICT ATTORNEY TIMOTHY CRUZ HAS BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN HELPING US WITH ASSET FORFEITURE", STATED LT. ROGERS, "HIS STAFF HAS NOT LOST A SINGLE VEHICLES SEIZURE CASE FOR US SO FAR." 

THE SECOND RAID TEAM UNDER THE COMMAND OF DET. SGT. KEVIN O'CONNELL OF THE BROCKTON POLICE NARCOTIC UNIT EXECUTED A SEARCH AT 10 KINGSTON STREET IN BROCKTON.  DETECTIVES SEIZED IN EXCESS OF $4,300.00 IN CASH, ALONG WITH CUSTOMER LISTS AND RECORDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING. 

PARTICIPATING IN THE SEARCH OF THE HOME WAS DET. SGT. SCOTT ALLEN OF THE EAST BRIDGEWATER POLICE, DETECTIVE SGT. CHRIS DELMONTE, HIS K-9 GORBIE, AND DETECTIVE JOE DEMOURA OF THE BRIDGEWATER POLICE AND DETECTIVES MCDERMOTT, ROBURY, COSTELO AND KEATING OF THE BROCKTON POLICE NARCOTIC UNIT. 

AS A RESULT OF THE SEARCH AND INVESTIGATION TARA CHILDERS WAS CHARGED WITH (I) POSSESSION OF A CLASS B DRUG TO DISTRIBUTE AND (2) CONSPIRACY TO VIOLATE THE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE ACT. 

MS.CHILDERS WAS RELEASED ON PERSONAL FOR HER APPEARANCE IN BROCKTON DISTRICT COURT MONDAY MORNING. 

VICTOR MERLINO WAS CHARGED WITH (1) POSSESSION OF A CLASS A" DRUG TO DISTRIBUTE (2) POSSESSION OF A CLASS B DRUG TO DISTRIBUTE OXYCONTIN, AND (3) CONSPIRACY TO VIOLATE THE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE ACT. 

ACCORDING TO LT. ROGERS, MERLINO HAS A. OPEN CASE IN NORFOLK SUPERIOR COURT FOR TRAFFICKING IN MORE THAN 200 GRAMS OF COCAINE. HE HAS 54 CHARGES ON HIS CRIMINAL HISTORY INCLUDING CONVICTIONS FOR ASSAULT & BATTERY, POSSESSION OF CLASS "D" DRUGS, DISTURBANCE, DISTRIBUTION OF MARIJUANA, LARCENY MORE THAN $250.00, SHOPLIFTING, AND DISTRIBUTION OF COCAINE.  MERLINO WAS HELD AT THE WEST BRIDGEWATER STATION IN LIEU OF $100,000.00 CASH BAIL SET BY CLERK MAGISTRATE KEVIN CREEDON.  HE WILL APPEAR IN BROCKTON DISTRICT COURT MONDAY FOR ARRAIGNMENT ON THE NEW CHARGES.     

THIS IS ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF GREAT COOPERATION BETWEEN THE NEIGHBORING POLICE AGENCIES, STATED LT. ROGERS, "SGT. 0'CONNELL AND HIS NARCOTIC UNIT COULD NOT HAVE BEEN MORE HELPFUL IN THIS INVESTIGATION, AS WELL AS THE FANTASTIC COOPERATION OF DA TIM CRUZ AND HIS ASSET FORFEITURE LIAISON". 

50% OF THE WEB TASK FORCE FUNDING COMES FROM THE THREE BRIDGEWATER WITH THE REMAINDER COMING FROM A GRANT ADMINISTERED BY THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF PUBLIC SAFETY.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Many prosecutors seek evidence in strip-search hoax

By Maureen Boyle, Enterprise staff writer

Article from Brockton Enterprise, July 13, 2004

Fifteen law enforcement agencies are lining up to get their own copies of store surveillance photos showing a man buying prepaid phone cards used to call fast-food restaurants in national strip-search hoaxes.

The Raynham-based Regional Electronic and Computer Crime Task Force is making CD copies of the photos to be sent to departments across the country after a team of local detectives last month was able to identify the suspect as a Florida correctional officer.

"Everyone is interested in the stuff," West Bridgewater Lt. Raymund Rogers said. "Now that the case has been solved, per se, we will release anything that will be helpful to other agencies."

David R. Stewart, 38, of Fountain, Fla., a correctional officer at a privately run state prison in Florida, was arrested at his home in June on a fugitive-from-justice warrant out of Kentucky after detectives from West Bridgewater and Abington flew to Florida and were able to identify the suspect through surveillance photos.

Kentucky officials were later notified and filed charges.

Stewart is accused of posing as a police officer in an April 9 call to a McDonald's in Mount Washington, Ky., population 10,000, convincing the manager to strip-search an employee.

Stewart is now fighting extradition to Kentucky, Rogers said.

Detectives in West Bridgewater, Abington, Wareham and Whitman expect to meet with prosecutors in coming weeks to see what charges can be pressed in connection with strip-search hoaxes earlier this year in their communities.

In all of the Massachusetts cases, a caller posing as police officer convinced managers at Wendy's restaurants to strip-search employees, saying the person was stealing.

There have been dozens of similar cases across the country since 1999 involving Burger King, McDonald's, Taco Bell, Applebee's and other businesses.

Raynham Deputy Police Chief Louis J. Pacheco said the photos that will be on CDs sent to other departments were gleaned from the time-lapsed surveillance tapes.

"The CD is a convenient way to share them," he said of the photos.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

From Boston Globe Article

Florida man arrested in strip-search hoax

By Associated Press  July 2, 2004                     

Police have identified a man suspected of making hoax phone calls to fast-food restaurants in Massachusetts and around the country and encouraging managers to strip-search employees and, in at least one case, a customer.

An investigation that involved law enforcement agencies from several states, as well as security for AT&T and Wal-Mart , led to David R. Stewart, 38, of Fountain, Fla., said Lieutenant Raymund Rogers of the West Bridgewater police.

Stewart was arrested yesterday at his home on a fugitive-from-justice warrant from Mount Washington, Ky., where the suspect had made a hoax call to a local McDonald's , Rogers said.

Stewart has not been charged in Massachusetts. Police must submit their evidence to the district attorney's office to determine if and what charges will be filed, Rogers said. A call to a spokeswoman for Plymouth District Attorney Timothy Cruz was not immediately returned yesterday.

In February, a caller persuaded managers to strip-search employees at Wendy's restaurants in West Bridgewater, Abington, Whitman, and Wareham. The calls to the Massachusetts Wendy's stores were traced to Panama City, Fla., where investigators had previously determined that the suspect was making the calls from pay phones, using prepaid calling cards bought at local Wal-Mart stores, Rogers said. With the help of Wal-Mart security, police watched hundreds of hours of store surveillance tapes to identify the suspect.

A search of Stewart's home and car on Wednesday turned up calling cards and other evidence, Rogers said. A message left on an answering machine at Stewart's home last evening was not immediately returned. It was not immediately clear if he had a lawyer.

Stewart, who recently worked as a correctional officer for the Bay County, Fla., Corrections Department, is alleged to have called restaurants around the country identifying himself as either management or law enforcement. The caller would then persuade managers to detain and search employees for drugs or money.

At a Taco Bell in Fountain Hills, Ariz., the caller persuaded the manager to strip-search a 17-year-old female customer in March.

None of the managers at the Massachusetts Wendy's have been criminally charged for the strip-searches because police consider them victims of the hoax. However, at least one civil complaint has been filed in Massachusetts. 

© Copyright 2004 Globe Newspaper Company.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Investigators: We figured he was a cop (Brockton Enterprise Article; June 3, 2004)

By Maureen Boyle, Enterprise staff writer

From the start, investigators suspected the man calling fast-food restaurants throughout the country and conning managers to strip-search employees by claiming to be a police officer was involved in law enforcement.