Mother Helped Son Run Cape Cod Heroin Ring: Feds

CAPE COD, MA – Eleven people are facing federal charges in connection with a wide-ranging heroin trafficking ring on Cape Cod, according to Massachusetts U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling. Authorities said agents last year began investigating the ring's leader, Edwin Otero, 29, of Hyannis. Investigators believe the ring dealt large amounts of heroin throughout Cape Cod, including Hyannis, Mashpee, Centerville and Osterville. The ring also distributed drugs in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, authorities said.

Interceptions from Otero's phones identified 10 other people, including his own mother, who are accused of distributing heroin for him, according to Lelling's office. Otero and two other members are charged in a shooting at another member's house stemming from a drug debt owed to Otero, according to federal authorities.

Otero discussed the shooting and the trio spoke in code about finding and hiding the guns used, authorities said.

The defendants were charged May 20. As a result of multiple searches, authorities seized heroin, oxycodone, packaging materials, scales, a finger press, cash and three guns — including a 9mm assault-type weapon at Otero’s grandmother’s home that fit an ammunition clip found the night of the shooting, according to Lelling.

The following people were charged:

1. Edwin Otero, 29, of Hyannis, was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and discharging a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime;
2. Justin Joseph, 32, of Pawtucket, was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and discharging a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime;
3. Krymeii Fray, 23, of Hyannis, was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin;
4. Tony Johnson, 35, of Hyannis, was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin;
5. Anthony Basilici, 35, of Pawtucket, was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute heroin and discharging a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime;
6. Vinicius Zangrande, 35, of Centerville, was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute heroin;
7. Brooke Cotell, 25, of Hyannis, was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute heroin;
8. Ronny Baams, 37, of South Yarmouth, was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute heroin;
9. Eric Brando, 27, of Osterville, was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute heroin;
10. Joshua Johnson, 31, of Mashpee, was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute heroin; and
11. Kimberly Lopes, 49, of Hyannis, was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute heroin.