Osterville Man Sentenced For Role In Cape Cod, RI Heroin Ring

BOSTON — An Osterville man was sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison for his role in a heroin distribution ring that spanned across Cape Cod and parts of Rhode Island.

Eric Brando, 29, was convicted after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute 100 grams of heroin or more. 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.

In May 2019, Brando and 10 other co-defendants were arrested. Earlier that year, prosecutors said they identified Edwin Otero, 29, of Hyannis, as the ring leader. Otero has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial. Police said they intercepted Otero's phone and identified Brando as a drug trafficker, who was supplied by Otero.

Prosecutors said members of Otero's crew were also involved in a shooting, where a drug customer was shot over an unpaid debt. After the shooting, police intercepted Otero discussing the shooting, and the trio spoke in code about finding and hiding the guns used, authorities said.

Brando is the first defendant to be sentenced in this case and the fourth to have pleaded guilty. The remaining seven defendants have pleaded not guilty and are pending trial.

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, 24, 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
11. Kimberly Lopes, 49, of Hyannis, was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute heroin