5 Cape, RI Men Kidnapped, Threatened To Rape Man: Feds

HYANNIS, MA — Five men from Cape Cod and Rhode Island are facing federal charges after prosecutors said the men kidnapped a man, stripped him naked and threatened to rape him.

Edwin Otero, 30, of Hyannis, Justin Joseph, 33, and Anthony Basilici, 36, both of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, were previously arrested on a previous indictment related to heroin conspiracy and various gun charges. The new indictment also charges Cameron Cartier, 26, who was arrested on March 16 and Albert Lee, 29, who remains at large.

According to court documents, the five men lured a Massachusetts man to Rhode Island, kidnapped him, stripped him naked, assaulted him and threatened to rape him. Prosecutors said the men stole the man's phone and clothes.

The men also threatened to hurt the victim in retaliation because they beleived he was working with law enforcement, prosecutors said. Prosecutors said Otero and Basilici also intimidated or attempted to intimidate other witnesses after the kidnapping.

The charge of kidnapping conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to life in prison, up to five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges of witness intimidation and witness retaliation conspiracy provide for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.