Leader Of Cape Cod Drug Crew Convicted After Violent Kidnapping

BOSTON, MA — Three men, including the leader of a violent Cape Cod drug crew, were convicted on charges stemming from a violent 2019 kidnapping.

Anthony Basilici, 39, of Pawtucket, R.I., was convicted yesterday following a five-day jury trial of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin; possession and discharge of a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime; kidnapping conspiracy; witness intimidation; and witness retaliation conspiracy.

On Jan. 18, 2023, shortly before trial commenced, Basilici’s two co-defendants, Edwin Otero, 33, of Hyannis, and Justin Joseph, 35, of Pawtucket, R.I., each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin; possession of a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime; kidnapping conspiracy; and witness retaliation conspiracy.

Otero also pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and witness intimidation.

U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled Basilici’s sentencing for April 26, 2023 and sentencing for both Otero and Joseph for April 27, 2023.

"For years, members of Edwin Otero’s drug crew plagued the Cape Cod and Pawtucket communities with their heroin operation and the serious, violent crimes it fueled. These defendants actively participated in a violent scheme to kidnap, beat and terrorize a victim who they incorrectly believed was working with law enforcement," said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins.

"This case is a prime example of how drug trafficking activities drive violence in our neighborhoods. Law-abiding residents in our Commonwealth have a right to live their lives without from fear or intimidation by violent gangs."

In 2018, law enforcement began investigating a Cape Cod-wide drug trafficking organization led by Otero. The investigation revealed Otero, Joseph, Basilici and their other co-defendants distributed large quantities of heroin throughout Cape Cod, including in Hyannis, Mashpee, Centerville, Osterville and in Pawtucket, R.I.

As part of the conspiracy, Otero, Joseph and Basilici committed a May 2019 shooting related to a drug debt owed by a drug customer.

Another charge stems from a 2019 kidnapping that members of law enforcement described as part of a "drug cell" that lured a man to Rhode Island, stripped him naked, assaulted him and threatened to rape him.

According to court documents, in 2018, law enforcement began investigating a Cape Cod drug trafficking organization, allegedly led by Otero. It is alleged that Otero and his co-conspirators distributed large quantities of heroin throughout Cape Cod, including Hyannis, Mashpee, Centerville and Osterville, as well as Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

Additionally, according to court documents, in April 2019, members of the crew lured a victim from Massachusetts to Rhode Island, where they kidnapped and held him, stripped him naked, assaulted and threatened to rape him, and then took his clothing and cell telephone.

The purpose of this kidnapping and assault was to retaliate against the victim because the co-conspirators erroneously believed the victim was cooperating with law enforcement, and the assailants repeatedly yelled at the victim for being a “rat”, officials said.

Albert "Mook" Lee, 32, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping in September 2022.