By: Laura Soukkavong
Boston – Federal authorities have charged 13 individuals in connection with an alleged drug trafficking organization operating between Central Massachusetts and Puerto Rico, officials announced Tuesday.
According to charging documents, the group is accused of distributing cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and marijuana throughout the region. Each of the defendants faces one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
Investigators allege the organization was led by Jack Saez Jr., 34, of Dayville, Connecticut, who is accused of coordinating shipments of cocaine from Puerto Rico to Massachusetts through the mail. Authorities say the packages were sent to various locations across Worcester County for further distribution.
During the investigation, officials report that more than 10 kilograms of cocaine were seized. Law enforcement also recovered eight firearms, along with additional narcotics and items believed to be associated with drug distribution, during searches conducted at multiple residences and locations in Massachusetts and Puerto Rico.
Those charged in the case include:
- Jack Saez Jr., 34, Dayville, Connecticut
- Christopher Rivera Rodriguez, 32, Puerto Rico
- Jan Carlos Martinez Mendez, 23, Puerto Rico
- Dayanara Mendez, Dayville, Connecticut
- Shaquille De Jesus Torres, 32, Puerto Rico
- Gerardo Villegas Rodriguez, 28, Dominican Republic
- Sheldon Herring, 48, Worcester, Massachusetts
- Duamel Ocasio, 55, Worcester, Massachusetts
- Anthony Hines, 57, Worcester, Massachusetts
- Stephen Bandilla III, 55, East Brookfield, Massachusetts
- Justin Gilchrest, 34, Webster, Massachusetts
- Alondra Daleishka Cruz Mendoza, 23, Puerto Rico
- Ushuuaniliz Hernandez Rios, 21, Puerto Rico
Officials said the charge of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison, along with supervised release and financial penalties if convicted.
The investigation involved multiple federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies working together as part of a broader effort to target organized drug trafficking networks.
Authorities emphasized that the charges are allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.