A huge drug sting busted two dozen in Chelsea. Credit: Google Images
A massive drug sting has netted two dozen with connections to Chelsea, according to authorities.
A three month undercover investigation culminated with busts that targeted the drug trade in Bellingham Square, according to Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley. Indictments were recently secured last week against several of the accused in what was dubbed “Operation Crackdown.”
Investigators from the State Police, Chelsea Police and DA’s office used “controlled buys” and executed several search warrants during the three-month long investigation.
Police, according to the DA’s office, seized more than 60 grams of crack cocaine, more than 30 grams of heroin, and upwards of $10,000 in cash.
Those arraigned in Suffolk Superior Court, according to the DA’s office, within the last week include:
ANTHONY AGOSTINI (D.O.B. 6/15/65) of Chelsea, held on $15,000 bail on charges of distribution of a Class B substance as a subsequent offense and being an habitual offender;
SHAHEED BAKER (D.O.B. 6/17/85) of Chelsea, held on $5,000 bail on distribution of a Class B substance as a subsequent offense and distribution of a Class B substance within 100 feet of a park;
JONATHAN BELTON (D.O.B. 5/6/74), who lists a Boston homeless shelter as his residence, held on $10,000 bail on two counts of distribution of a Class B substance as a subsequent offense;
ASIA GALVIN (D.O.B. 6/17/86) of East Boston, held on $5,000 bail on two counts of distribution of a Class B substance as a subsequent offense and a single count of distribution of a Class B substance within 100 feet of a park, and an additional $3,000 bail for a probation violation;
JOSE PAGAN (D.O.B. 6/26/74) of Chelsea, held on $5,000 bail on three counts of distribution of a Class B substance as a subsequent offense, and single counts of distribution of a Class A substance as a subsequent offense, conspiracy to violate the state’s drug laws, and distribution of a Class B substance within 100 feet of a park;
ANDRE SKINNER (D.O.B. 6/26/92) of Chelsea, held on $4,000 bail on two counts of distribution of a Class B substance and one count of distribution of a Class B substance within 100 feet of a park; and
KENDRICK TATE (D.O.B. 3/28/80) of Chelsea, held on $3,000 bail on charges of distribution of a Class B substance as a subsequent offense and distribution of a Class B substance within 100 feet of a park.
All were ordered to stay away from Bellingham Square.
The remaining 17 defendants were arraigned on charges of distribution of a Class B substance and similar offenses in Chelsea District Court. All are due back in court at various times over the next three months.
