WORCESTER, MA — Thirteen individuals have been charged for their alleged roles in a drug trafficking organization operating in Central Massachusetts and Puerto Rico that distributed cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl and marijuana.
The following defendants have been charged with one count each of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances: Jack Saez Jr., 34, of Dayville, Connecticut; Christopher Rivera Rodriguez, 32, of Puerto Rico; Jan Carlos Martinez Mendez, 23, of Puerto Rico; Dayanara Mendez, of Dayville, Connecticut; Shaquille De Jesus Torres, 32, of Puerto Rico; Gerardo Villegas Rodriguez, 28, of the Dominican Republic; Sheldon Herring, 48, of Worcester; Duamel Ocasio, 55, of Worcester; Anthony Hines, 57, of Worcester; Stephen Bandilla III, 55, of East Brookfield; Justin Gilchrest, 34, of Webster; Alondra Daleishka Cruz Mendoza, 23, of Puerto Rico; and Ushuuaniliz Hernandez Rios, 21, of Puerto Rico.
According to the charging documents, Saez was the leader of a drug trafficking organization that was receiving packages through the mail containing kilogram quantities of cocaine from Puerto Rico for distribution in Massachusetts.
Over the course of the investigation, more than 10 kilograms of cocaine that had been shipped through the mail from Puerto Rico to addresses in Worcester County was seized.
It is further alleged that Saez’s organization also distributed methamphetamine and fentanyl.
Searches of multiple stash houses and residences in Massachusetts and Puerto Rico allegedly resulted in the seizure of eight firearms along with distribution quantities of other narcotics.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000.
