13 Charged in Worcester Drug Trafficking Organization

BOSTON – Thirteen individuals have been charged for their alleged roles in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) operating in Central Massachusetts and Puerto Rico that distributed cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl and marijuana. The following defendants have been charged with one count each of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances: Jack Saez Jr., 34, residing in Dayville, Conn.; Christopher Rivera Rodriguez, 32, residing in Puerto Rico; Jan Carlos Martinez Mendez, 23, residing in Puerto Rico; Dayanara Mendez, residing in Dayville, Conn.; Shaquille De Jesus Torres, 32, residing in Puerto Rico; Gerardo Villegas Rodriguez, 28, residing in the Dominican Republic; Sheldon Herring, 48, residing in Worcester, Mass.; Duamel Ocasio, 55, residing in Worcester, Mass.; Anthony Hines, 57, residing in Worcester, Mass.; Stephen Bandilla III, 55, residing in East Brookfield, Mass.; Justin Gilchrest, 34, residing in Webster, Mass.; Alondra Daleishka Cruz Mendoza, 23, residing in Puerto Rico; and Ushuuaniliz Hernandez Rios; 21, residing in Puerto Rico. According to the charging documents, Saez was the leader of a DTO that was receiving packages through the mail containing kilogram quantities of cocaine from Puerto Rico for distribution in Massachusetts. Over the course of the investigation, more than 10 kilograms of cocaine that had been shipped through the mail from Puerto Rico to addresses in Worcester County was seized. It is further alleged that Saez’s DTO also distributed methamphetamine and fentanyl. Searches of multiple stash houses and residences in Massachusetts and Puerto Rico allegedly resulted in the seizure of eight firearms along with distribution quantities of other narcotics. The charge of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.