Seven Bristol residents were arrested Tuesday in connection with an organized cocaine distribution ring brought down by a State Police operation dubbed “Get Shorty.”
The two-year investigation by the State Police High Intensity Drug Task Force and the Providence Police focused on Angel Martinez — know as “Shorty” — of Providence, suspected of running the cocaine ring along with two associates, Wilson Cepeda of Providence, and Ramon Feliz of Cranston. The trio allegedly delivered cocaine throughout the state, and utilized others from Providence and the East Bay in the operation. Listening in on the leaders’ tapped cell phones, investigators identified several alleged co-conspirators while following the trio’s movements, ultimately arresting 14 people associated with the ring.
The task force rounded up the 14 suspects between Monday and Tuesday, July 28 and 29, also seizing 1,250 grams of cocaine, $30,000 in cash, seven cars and drug paraphernalia including digital scales. Investigators also learned that the leaders of the ring were using false names. Mr. Martinez is actually Carlos Davila, 38, of 80 Hamilton St., Providence. Mr. Cepeda is actually Tony Cruz, 39, of 139 W. Clifford St., Providence.
The seven Bristol residents and their charges include:
Patrice Amaral, 29, of 30 Goulart Ave., was charged with 10 counts of conspiracy – possession with intent to deliver, five count of controlled substance conspiracy, five counts of solicitation.
Jose Constancia, 51, of 24 Goulart Ave., was charged with controlled substance conspiracy and solicitation.
Joseph Brum, 52, of 426 High St., was charged with two counts of conspiracy – possession with intent to deliver, two counts of controlled substance conspiracy and two counts of solicitation.
John Silvia, 53, of 19 River St., was charged with conspiracy – possession with intent to deliver, two counts of controlled substance conspiracy and two counts of solicitation.
Jason Sousa, 34, of 6 Varnum Ave., was charged with controlled substance conspiracy and solicitation.
Harold Santos, 61, of 23 Rock St., was charged with two counts each of controlled substance conspiracy and solicitation.
Paul Querceto, 33, of 71 Richmond St., was charged with two counts each of controlled substance conspiracy and solicitation.