United States Drug Enforcement Administration

BOSTON - Nine Brockton men have been charged with federal and state narcotics and firearms charges announced John J. Arvanitis, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England.

Federal indictments were returned against Jethro Lujares, 27; George Guyton, 28; Peterson Paul, 35; and Manuel Gomes, 34, for distribution of cocaine base, they will have an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Boston later today.  Lujares and Paul were arrested today, Gomes is still wanted on the charge, and Guyton was already in federal custody on an unrelated matter.

The following were arrested today and charged by Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz’s Office and will appear in Brockton District Court:  Jason Lopes, 19, was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm; Jeffrey Fonseca, 29, charged with distribution of Class D, marijuana; Brendan Fernandes, 24 and Matthew Veiga, 23, were charged with distribution of Class B, Percocets; and Nelson Dossantos, 23, is still wanted in the charge of distribution of Class C, Ecstasy.  If convicted, Lopes faces five years in prison; Fonseca faces two years in prison; Fernandes and Veiga each face 10 years in prison; and Dossantos faces five years in prison. 

“The DEA is committed to the dismantling of criminal organizations that bring drugs and violence into our communities,” said John Arvanitis, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Boston Field Division.  “Our commitment to the citizens of these neighborhoods is unwavering.  Together with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners we will continue to target drug trafficking organizations operating throughout New England.”

U.S. Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz said, “Today’s arrests are the culmination of excellent investigative work and outstanding interagency cooperation.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office and its sister agencies will continue to work in the City of Brockton to ensure that it is a safe place to live and work.  I want to commend all of our law enforcement partners for all of their hard work and tireless efforts.”

“This successful investigation brought together law enforcement professionals from local, state and federal agencies to remove drug dealers from the streets of Brockton,” said Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz.  “These defendants will be prosecuted for dealing crack cocaine, prescription narcotics, marijuana and a concentrated form of the drug Ecstasy known as “Molly,” on the streets of this city.  The sale of illegal drugs fuels a vicious cycle of addiction, property crimes and violence in the community…the quality of life in the community is enhanced when drug dealers are held accountable for their crimes.  This sweep is another example of the strong partnership between local, state and federal law enforcement that we have here in Plymouth County, and of the benefit to the community through these concerted efforts.”

“I would like to thank all those who made today’s operation a success, including our own special agents, the DEA, and the brave officers of Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office and the Brockton Police Department.  The long arm of the law reaches further when we all work together,” said Bruce Foucart, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston.  “Working alongside our partner law enforcement agencies, HSI can remove more hardcore criminals from our streets, making our communities safer for everyone.”

“This is an ongoing relationship between the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Homeland Security and the Brockton Police Department to conduct cooperative investigations that will lead to the removal of gang members and guns from the streets of our city,” said Brockton Mayor Bill Carpenter.  “I fully support the efforts of all involved.” 

“The hallmark of this investigation has been teamwork and cooperation,” said Plymouth County Sheriff Joseph D. McDonald Jr. “These arrests today should have an immediate and positive effect on all the communities of Plymouth County.”

If convicted, Gomes faces a statutory maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, a mandatory minimum sentence of five years, a maximum fine of $5 million, and a minimum of four years of supervised release.  If convicted, Lujares, Guyton and Paul all face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a maximum fine of $1 million, and a minimum of three years of supervised release.

The details contained in the indictments are allegations. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Questions regarding the state defendants should be directed to Jessica (508) 584-8120 at the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office.