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Eight Arraigned in Lowell Police/ATF Raid

Posted on: October 29, 2014 - 12:03pm

WOBURN – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Lowell Police Superintendent William Taylor announced today that eight people have been arraigned on charges in connection with the trafficking of illegal handguns, rifles, shotguns and illegal drugs.
 
“This investigation shows our commitment to stopping the sale of illegal guns and drugs by attacking the source,” District Attorney Ryan said.  “One effective way to reduce gun violence is to hold accountable the people that bring illegal guns into this community.”
 
The investigation involved more than a dozen search warrants and resulted in the seizure of three shotguns, including an illegally modified sawed-off shotgun, two rifles, a revolver and two semiautomatic handguns. More than 130 grams of heroin, more than 40 grams of cocaine and prescription pills containing buprenorphine were confiscated, along with more than $11,000 in cash and rare coins, according to authorities.
 
“This is another positive step in the work we do to disrupt gang violence and the illegal trade in guns and drugs,” Superintendent Taylor said. “We thank the partner agencies involved in this operation for their cooperation including the Massachusetts State Police and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives.”
 
Eight defendants were arraigned in Lowell District Court before Judge Neil Hourihan.  The charges and bail amounts are as follows:
 

  • Eddy J. Rodriguez, 23, of Lowell, was charged with possession of a sawed-off shotgun, illegal possession of ammunition, illegal sale of a firearm, unlicensed sale of ammunition, distribution of a Class B substance (three counts), conspiracy to violate drug laws and intimidation of a witness. Bail was revoked on a previous charge and set at $550,000 cash on these charges.
  • Victor Vega, 48, of Lowell, was charged with trafficking heroin over 100 grams, distribution of a Class A substance (subsequent offense), possession with intent to distribute a Class B substance and drug violation near a school/park. Bail was set at $150,000 cash.
  • Robert Rosa, 38, of Lowell, was charged with possession of a firearm with defaced serial number during the commission of a felony, trafficking cocaine over 36 grams, possession of a firearm (two counts), improper storage of a firearm, illegal possession of ammunition and possession of a firearm as an armed career criminal. Bail was set at $150,000.
  • Naida Rodriguez, 53, of Lowell, was charged with trafficking in heroin over 100 grams and possession with intent to distribute a Class B substance. She was held overnight without bail.
  • Glenda Nieves, 22, of Lowell, was charged with distribution of a Class B substance and conspiracy to violate the drug laws. She was released on personal recognizance.
  • Noel Toledo, 24, of Lowell, was charged with distribution of a Class B substance and conspiracy to violate the drug laws. Bail on a previous charge was revoked and set at $20,000 cash on these charges.
  • Michael Lopez-Rios, 27, of Lowell, was charged with distribution of a Class B substance and drug violation near a school/park. Bail was set at $6,000 cash.
  • Alexis Nuñez, 24, of Lowell, was charged with distribution of a Class B substance and drug violation near a school/park. Bail was set at $500.

These charges are allegations and the defendants are innocent until proven guilty.

The prosecutors assigned to this case are Assistant District Attorney Stephen Loughlinand Assistant District Attorney David Solet.