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

MASHPEE, MA — A Mashpee man was sentenced to prison for his role in a heroin distribution ring that spanned across Cape Cod and parts of Rhode Island.

Joshua Johnson, 34, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin. He was sentenced Wednesday in Boston's federal courthouse to time served plus an additional two weeks — for a total of around 13 months in prison — and three years of supervised release.

Prosecutors admitted he was a trafficker in a drug ring that 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, Johnson 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.

Johnson is the second 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. Last month Eric Brando Jr., of Osterville, was sentenced to 66 months in prison.

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.