An MS-13 member was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for RICO conspiracy and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by an illegal alien.

Manuel Landaverde, a/k/a “Scooby,” 26, a Salvadoran national, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young to 21 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Landaverde will face deportation proceedings upon completion of his sentence. In July 2018, Landaverde pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO or racketeering conspiracy, and being an alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

The investigation revealed that Landaverde was a member of MS-13 and conspired with other MS-13 members to commit acts of violence, including murder and attempted murder, in Massachusetts. Landaverde, who is unlawfully present in the United States, also possessed and sold a firearm and ammunition knowing it would be used in connection with the racketeering conspiracy.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Commissioner Thomas Turco of the Massachusetts Department of Corrections; Essex County Sheriff Kevin F. Coppinger; Suffolk County Sheriff Steven W. Thompkins; Suffolk County District Attorney John P. Pappas; Middlesex County District Attorney Marian T. Ryan; Essex County District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett; Boston Police Commissioner William Gross; Chelsea Police Chief Brian A. Kyes; Everett Police Chief Steven A. Mazzie; Lynn Police Chief Michael Mageary; Revere Police Chief James Guido; and Somerville Police Chief David Fallon made the announcement today. The U.S. Marshals Service has provided crucial assistance with the case.

Ten individuals, most of whom are from Brockton, were charged today in federal court in Boston in a wide-ranging fentanyl and cocaine conspiracy.

Seven individuals were arrested today, two are currently in state custody, and one is at-large. The following 10 individuals were charged by criminal complaint with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine:

Djuna Goncalves, 32, of Brockton, currently in state custody;
Cody Goncalves, 26, of Brockton, currently in state custody;
Anthony Goncalves, 20, of Brockton, currently at-large;
Angelo Pina, 27, of Brockton;
Calvin Mendes, 40, of Brockton;
Carlos Antunes, 33, of Brockton;
Jermaine Gonsalves, 32, of Brockton;
Ozair Pereira, 30, of Brockton;
Joseph Greene, 21, of Taunton; and
Brian Donahue, 38, of Truro

“This morning’s arrests should remind all gang members and drug traffickers that they cannot operate freely in this state,” said United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling. “Over the past year, in conjunction with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, we have removed dozens of violent criminals from our communities, and we will continue to do so.”

“Today’s operation illustrates Homeland Security Investigations’ commitment to public safety and highlights our unrelenting pursuit of justice,” said Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston. “Through successful partnerships with the Massachusetts State Police, Drug Enforcement Administration and Brockton Police Department, we have dealt a severe blow to a violent drug trafficking organization here in the commonwealth.”

“DEA is committed to investigating and dismantling violent poly drug trafficking organizations like this one operating in the Brockton area,” said Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division. “As we all know, drug trafficking, along with the gun and physical violence that often accompanies it, is a serious threat to our families and our communities. This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative local, state and federal law enforcement efforts in Massachusetts to bring to justice anyone who engages in these crimes.”

“We are proud to work with our federal and local law enforcement partners to help dismantle this significant drug trafficking organization,” said Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent, Massachusetts State Police. “I would like to especially note the work in this investigation of our regional narcotics task force, which was established last year as part of our new State Police Division of Homeland Security. We remain committed to disrupting drug trafficking in Plymouth County and across the state and quelling the street violence associated with the narcotics trade.”

“Operation Red Heat dismantled a large scale Fentanyl distribution ring making its home base on Addison Avenue, but with a trafficking reach far outside of Brockton’s borders,” said Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz. “I commend the work of Massachusetts State Police CINRET, Detectives in the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office, Homeland Security, DEA and Brockton Police to take five guns and a half kilo of Fentanyl off the street. Their diligent police work quieted the drug activity in a Brockton neighborhood and made much of Plymouth County safer today.”

“This is another example of the ongoing efforts of the Brockton Police Department and the administration of Brockton Mayor Bill Carpenter to partner with federal, state and local law enforcement partners to take the most violent repeat offenders off the streets and make Brockton a safer City,” said Brockton Police Chief John Crowley.

According to the charging document, in 2018, federal, state, and local law enforcement began investigating Djuna Goncalves and other alleged members of A Block, a violent Brockton Street gang whose members typically come from Addison Avenue or the surrounding neighborhood, which have for years been plagued by shootings, including two murders, and other crimes of violence.

It is alleged that during the investigation, Djuna Goncalves and his brothers Cody and Anthony Goncalves distributed large quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, and other drugs from an apartment on Addison Avenue to A Block members and other drug traffickers in Brockton and southeastern Massachusetts. Djuna and Cody Goncalves and Calvin Mendes distributed drugs while on pre-trial release for pending state drug trafficking and gun possession charges. Djuna Goncalves and Angelo Pina were previously convicted of drug trafficking offenses in federal court in Boston, and Pina is still on supervised release from his prior federal conviction.

On Oct. 21, 2018, Djuna Goncalves survived an assassination attempt after an unidentified assailant fired multiple shots into his basement apartment. It is alleged that when law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Goncalves’ home, they recovered an AK-47 assault rifle, a Glock .45 caliber pistol, a large number of ammunition clips to various types of firearms and accompanying ammunition, fentanyl, cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana, suboxone strips, a hydraulic press, packaging materials, digital scales, and approximately $12,000 in cash. Djuna and Cody Goncalves were subsequently arrested on state charges as a result of the evidence seized during the execution of the search warrant.

The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Lelling; HSI SAC Fitzhugh; DEA SAC Boyle; Colonel Gilpin; DA Cruz; and Chief Crowley made the announcement today. The United States Marshals Service provided valuable assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Pohl of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the complaint are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Members of the New Bedford Police Narcotics Unit took more than 180 grams of cocaine valued at over $18,000 off the street Tuesday, Oct. 30 following an investigation into a cocaine distribution service being operated out of 91 Hathaway Street, Apt. 1.

Police executed a search warrant and located the suspect in his vehicle on Belleville Avenue near Sawyer Street. He was taken to his residence, where a search yielded nearly 180 grams of cocaine, a digital scale, packaging material and more than $800 in cash.

An additional 1.7 grams of cocaine were located in the vehicle.

Detectives arrested Joe Chamberlain, 31, of Hathaway St., New Bedford, on charges of trafficking in cocaine, operating a motor vehicle with a suspended licensed and possession of class B substance with intent to distribute, second offense.

The arrest was made at 9:45 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30.

Members of the New Bedford Police Department Narcotics Unit took 42 grams of Fentanyl and a stolen loaded firearm off the street Tuesday, Oct. 30, following an investigation into a Fentanyl distribution service being operated out of a vehicle.

Detectives stopped a vehicle driven by the target of the search, Reynaldo Melendez, 26, of Shawmut Ave., New Bedford, in the area of Hathaway Boulevard and Highland Street. A search warrant was executed.

A search of the vehicle yielded a loaded Parabellum firearm loaded with nine rounds of 9 mm ammunition, which was determined to be stolen, 42 grams of Fentanyl, 114 tablets and more than $500 in cash. A search of his residence yielded a digital scale and packaging materials.

Detectives subsequently arrested Reynaldo Melendez, 26, of Shawmut Ave., New Bedford, on charges of trafficking in Fentanyl, carrying a loaded, large capacity firearm, carrying a firearm without a license, receiving stolen property less than $1,200, possession of class E substance with intent to distribute, two counts of possession of class E substance, unlawful possession of a large capacity rifle and conspiracy to violate drug laws.

A passenger in the vehicle, Joevanni L. Arroyo, 25, of 868 Shawmut Ave., New Bedford, was charged with carrying a loaded firearm, carrying a firearm without a license, receiving stolen property less than $1200, possession to distribute class E substance, two counts of possession of class E substance, unlawful possession of a large capacity rifle and conspiracy to violate drug laws.

Tatiana Irizarry, 26, of Shawmut Ave., New Bedford, was charged with four warrant arrests.

The arrests were made at about 6:15 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30.

Two Springfield Police Officers – one current and one former – were arrested today and charged in federal court in Springfield, Mass., in connection with using unreasonable force against two Latino juveniles during an arrest in 2016. One of the officers is also charged with threatening two juveniles during an interrogation and falsifying subsequent reports regarding the incident.

Gregg A. Bigda, 48, of Wilbraham, was charged in an indictment unsealed today with one count of deprivation of rights under color of law – excessive force, two counts of deprivation of rights under color of law – abusive interrogation, and one count of obstructing justice by writing a false report.

Steven M. Vigneault, 48, of East Longmeadow, was charged in the same indictment with one count of deprivation of rights under color of law – excessive force. Bigda and Vigneault will appear in federal court in Springfield later today.

“Even in the face of adversity, law enforcement officers are expected to conduct themselves professionally, respectfully, and with integrity,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew E. Lelling. “They are ambassadors for the rule of law, and when they themselves break those laws, they violate not just the rights of their victims, but compromise the public’s trust in law enforcement. My office is committed to holding our public servants accountable under the law and prosecuting those who abuse their positions of power.”

“Most law enforcement officers are dedicated, honest, and fully committed to building trust within their communities, but those who break the law stain the reputation of the law enforcement profession,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division. “Badges and guns do not come with the authority to ignore the Constitution or the rights of others, and those who violate it will be held accountable.”

It is alleged that on Feb. 27, 2016, Bigda used unreasonable force against a juvenile, spat on him, and said, “Welcome to the white man’s world,” and that Vigneault used unreasonable force against a second juvenile. According to the indictment, both officers’ use of unreasonable force involved a dangerous weapon, resulting in bodily injury.

After the arrests, Bigda allegedly interrogated two juveniles without their parents present, without reading them their Miranda rights, and by issuing various threats. For example, Bigda made the following threats against one juvenile: to “crush [the juvenile’s] skull and “fu—– get away with it;” “fu—– bring the dog back [and] let him go after” the juvenile; “fu—– kill [the juvenile] in the parking lot;” “charge [the juvenile] with killing Kennedy and fu—– make it stick;” “stick a fu—– kilo of coke in [the juvenile’s] pocket and put [the juvenile] away for fu—– 15 years;” and “kick [the juvenile] right in the fu—– face as soon as [they] cross the Springfield line.” Bigda made the following threats against a second juvenile: to “beat the fu– out of [the juvenile]..;” “tune [the juvenile] the fu—up;” and “bloody [the juvenile’s] body.”

The indictment further alleges that Bigda subsequently attempted to obstruct the investigation into the assaults of the juveniles by falsifying his reports to the Springfield Police Department Internal Investigations Unit, writing that he did not kick anyone or see any officer kick anyone during the course of the arrests of the juveniles. Bigda filed a second report in which he denied spitting on anyone or yelling “welcome to the white man’s world” during the arrest of the juveniles.

The charges of deprivation of civil rights under color of law resulting in injury or using or threatening to use a dangerous weapon provide for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of deprivation of civil rights under color of law provides for a sentence of no greater than one year in prison, one year of supervised release, and a fine of up to $100,000. The charge of falsifying a police report provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Acting Assistant Attorney General John M. Gore of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division; and Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Deepika Bains Shukla and Katharine Wagner of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office and Trial Attorney Christopher J. Perras of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

A 23-year-old New Bedford man connected to the August 10th attempted robbery of a taxi driver, which eventually led to the death of the defendant’s co-robber, was ordered held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing during his arraignment this morning in Fall River Superior Court.

Kyle Dawson was indicted earlier this month on charges of involuntary manslaughter, armed assault with intent to rob, and two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. He pleaded not guilty to the charges today and will be subjected to a dangerousness hearing on November 8th to determine if he will be held without bail for 180 days while the case proceeds against him.

On Friday, August 10, 2018, members of the New Bedford Police Department responded at 1:12 a.m. to the area of 20 Bentley Street for shots fired. When they arrived at the scene they located a male identified as Christopher Dunton, 24 of New Bedford, on the roadway outside of a Yellow Cab, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Mr. Dunton, who was one of the passengers in the cab, was transported to St. Luke’s Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. Police investigation revealed that the cab driver picked up Mr. Dunton and Mr. Dawson from an address on Cottage Street.

While in the cab, the two males attempted to violently rob the cab driver by placing him in a choke hold and utilizing a knife. The cab driver was able to escape the cab and fired three shots that struck Mr. Dunton. The cab driver had a valid License to Carry.

During today’s arraignment, Assistant District Attorney Carolyn Morrissette detailed the facts of the case and also revealed that after a thorough investigation, it has been determined the cab driver acted in self-defense and criminal charges against him are not warranted. The cab driver was the victim of an attempted robbery in 2005 and his friend, a fellow cab driver, was shot and killed during a robbery attempt in 2015. After the 2015 murder of his friend and colleague, the cab driver went and lawfully obtained a License to Carry a firearm for protection. Mr. The cab driver discharged his firearm within seconds of being violently assaulted in his own cab by two passengers – one who placed a knife to his side and another who put him in a chokehold while yelling “shank him, shank him.” Under all the circumstances presented in this case, the District Attorney’s Office finds the cab driver’s use of deadly force to protect himself was warranted and lawful.

“After a thorough investigation, it is clear that the cab driver acted in lawful self-defense and the use of deadly force was justified under the circumstances. The victim was violently robbed by two men who threatened his life while choking him and putting a knife to his side. Fortunately he was able to extricate himself and get out of the cab,” District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III said. “He still faced a potentially life threatening situation and fired three shots from a hand gun he was lawfully entitled to possess and carry. The victim had previously been robbed and his close friend, Donald DePina, had been brutally murdered while driving his own cab in 2015. The loss of any life is tragic but I hope the cab driver and Mr. Dunton’s family can move forward with their lives.”

The involuntary manslaughter charge lodged against Mr. Dawson in this case related to his alleged wanton and reckless conduct in attempting to rob the cab driver with a knife while Mr. Dunton had the cab driver in a choke hold. This wanton and reckless conduct created a high degree of likelihood that substantial harm would result to another person. The defendant’s intentional participation in this conduct caused the death of Christopher Dunton.

A 23-year-old New Bedford man connected to the August 10th attempted robbery of a taxi driver, which eventually led to the death of the defendant’s co-robber, will be arraigned tomorrow in Fall River Superior Court.

Kyle Dawson was indicted earlier this month on charges of involuntary manslaughter, armed assault with intent to rob, and two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

On Friday, August 10, 2018, members of the New Bedford Police Department responded at 1:12 a.m. to the area of 20 Bentley Street for shots fired. When they arrived at the scene they located a male identified as Christopher Dunton, 24 of New Bedford, on the roadway outside of a Yellow Cab, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Mr. Dunton, who was one of the passengers in the cab, was transported to St. Luke’s Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. Police investigation revealed that the cab driver picked up Mr. Dunton and Mr. Dawson from an address on Cottage Street.

While in the cab, the two males attempted to violently rob the cab driver by placing him in a choke hold and utilizing a knife. The cab driver was able to escape the cab and fired several shots that struck Mr. Dunton. The cab driver had a valid License to Carry.

Since the defendant has yet to be arraigned on the new indictments in open court, no further information about the case or the investigation can be released at this time. More information on the case will be discussed by prosecutors in open court at his arraignment.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Carolyn Morrissette.

On Sunday, October 28, 2018 at approximately 6:32 p.m., Dartmouth Police responded to Rite-Aid on Dartmouth Street, after receiving a report of a man holding a knife to his own throat.

Upon arrival, Sergeant Scott STANTON and Officers Victor MORENCY and Darren EMOND located the male party behind the business.

While Officer EMOND engaged the male in conversation, Officer MORENCY was able to discreetly position himself in such a way that it allowed him to safely disarm and restrain the male.

The fifty-six (56) year old male was subsequently transported to St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford, where an Application for Temporary Involuntary Hospitalization (Section 12) form was filed on him.

No one was injured as a result of the incident.

New Bedford police report that a male pedestrian was killed after being hit by a car just before 7:30am Monday morning at the corner of Pleasant and Weld streets. The driver fled the scene and police are treating the incident as a criminal hit-and-run.

No further information at this time. If you have details on the incident contact the NBPD at (508) 991-6300.

New Bedford Police arrested a male who already has an open case for heroin trafficking on 18 charges Sunday in connection with two shooting incidents in the city earlier in the day.

New Bedford Police responded to the area of School Street about 2 a.m. for a report that a vehicle had been shot at. No one was injured in that incident but the vehicle was damaged.

Shortly after, police received a report that two males were shot in the area of 1087 County St. They were transported to Rhode Island Hospital.

After an investigation, detectives arrested Joshua Perry, 25, of 16 Roosevelt St. Apt. 3, New Bedford on three counts of carrying a firearm without a license; three counts of carrying a loaded firearm; three counts of discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a building; two counts of assault and battery by discharge of a firearm; carrying a weapon; possession of class B substance, subsequent offense; malicious damage to a motor vehicle; two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and two counts of attempt to commit assault and battery by discharge of a weapon.

He has three open cases, for trafficking in heroin, possession of ammunition without a license and possession of class A substance, subsequent offense. He is being held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing Nov. 7.

In the course of the investigation, detectives also arrested Brandin Mayo, 24, of 369 Mill St. Apt. 2, New Bedford, on charges of carrying a firearm without a license, carrying a loaded firearm, discharge of a firearm within 500 feet of a building and on a warrant.

He was arrested for discharging a firearm used in the shootings into the air outside his residence.

Mayo is being held without bail pending his next court date Nov. 7.