Crime & Safety

Melrose Man Among 11 Indicted on Drug Trafficking Charges

A drug trafficking investigation resulted in the seizure of approximately 500 grams of cocaine, several pounds of marijuana, thousands of dollars, and several vehicles, the Attorney General's Office alleges.

Information from an Massachusetts Attorney General's Office press release was used in this report.

A 38-year-old Melrose man faces a conspiracy to distribute cocaine charge, and is one of 10 people indicted in connection with allegedly trafficking, possessing and distributing narcotics in Massachusetts, Attorney General Martha Coakley’s Office announced in a press release Thursday afternoon.

Adam Saggese of Melrose was arraigned in Suffolk Superior Court yesterday and pleaded not guilty to the conspiracy to distribute cocaine charge, according to the release. He was released on personal recognizance.

Find out what's happening in Melrosewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The charges stem from an extensive drug trafficking investigation resulting in the seizure of approximately 500 grams of cocaine, several pounds of marijuana, thousands of dollars, and several vehicles, the Attorney General's Office said.

As part of an ongoing narcotics investigation, the Attorney General’s Office began an investigation into the activities of Gerald Esposito, 40, of Boston in March. The investigation focused on Esposito’s alleged extensive drug network, which included the wholesalers from whom he bought narcotics, partners with whom he collaborated, and the customers to whom he sold the product.

Find out what's happening in Melrosewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Law enforcement officials allege that Esposito’s drug dealing took place in the North End and the Revere apartment of Kettia Piris. The investigation also alleges drug transactions among Saggese and co-defendants Anthony Vigorito, Anthony Gianetti, Steven Tracia, Ferdinando Daniele,  Sal Lazzari, Anthony Ascenzo, Paul Mattarese and Marino Velasquez.  

In June, law enforcement officials received search warrants for searches of locations and vehicles associated with Esposito, Daniele, Tracia, Velasquez, and Giannetti. Esposito was arrested while meeting with Daniele, resulting in the seizure of $2,594 cash and several types of drugs in quantities ready for sale.

The searches, the Attorney General's office alleges, resulted in the seizure of approximately 500 grams of cocaine, several pounds of marijuana, ammunition, approximately $75,000 cash, several vehicles, and other materials associated with narcotics dealing.         

The Special Grand Jury in Suffolk Superior Court returned indictments against the 11 defendants on September 15, 2011.  Eight of the defendants, including Saggese, were arraigned yesterday in Suffolk Superior Court, at which time each entered individual pleas of not guilty.They will return to court on Nov. 3 for a pre-trial conference.

Defendants and Charges

Gerald Esposito, age 40, of North End, Boston: Arraigned in Suffolk Superior Court.  Released on $100,000 bail

  • Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
  • Trafficking in Cocaine Over 100 grams
  • Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute
  • Conspiracy to Distribute Oxycodone
  • Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana
  • Reckless Behavior Creating Risk of Serious Bodily Injury to a Child
  • Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
  • Possession of Oxycodone with Intent to Distribute
  • Possession of Buprenophine
  • Possession of Lorazepam

Steven Tracia, age 55, of Revere:  Arraigned in Suffolk Superior Court on 9/20/11.  He was released on $125,000 bail

  • Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
  • Trafficking in Cocaine Over 200 grams

Marino Velasquez, age 51, of Revere:  Arraigned in Suffolk Superior Court.  Held on $125,000 bail

  • Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
  • Trafficking in Cocaine Over 200 grams
  • Possession of Cocaine

Kettia Piris, age 23, of Revere:  To be arraigned on 11/2/11

  • Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
  • Trafficking in Cocaine Over 100 grams
  • Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute

Anthony Vigorito, age 54, of North End, Boston:  Arraigned in Suffolk Superior Court.  Released on Personal Recognizance

  • Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
  • Conspiracy to Distribute Oxycodone

Anthony Giannetti, age 33, of Revere:  Defaulted at arraignment and a warrant issued for his arrest

  • Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
  • Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana
  • Possession of Ammunition

Ferdinando Daniele, age 64, of Revere: Arraigned in Suffolk Superior Court.  Held on $50,000 bail

  • Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
  • Trafficking in Cocaine Over 28 grams

Paul Mattarese, age 51, of Maine:  Arrested in Maine on September 23, 2011 on warrant issued out of Suffolk Superior Court.  Held without bail in Maine and is awaiting rendition

  • Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
  • Trafficking in Cocaine Over 28 grams
  • Habitual Criminal (2 counts)

Anthony Ascenzo, age61, of North End, Boston:  Arraigned in Suffolk Superior Court.  Released on Personal Recognizance

  • Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine

Salvatore Lazzari, age 57, Winthrop: Arraigned in Suffolk Superior Court.  Released on Personal Recognizance

  • Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine

Adam Saggese, age 38, of Melrose: Arraigned in Suffolk Superior Court.  Released on Personal Recognizance

  • Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.