James Ramirez, Narcotics and Firearms Charges, Massachusetts 2017

Boston, Massachusetts - In a major blow to the city's narcotics trade, James Ramirez, 57, of Dorchester, has been sentenced to 66 months in prison for his role in a wide-ranging operation that distributed heroin and fentanyl throughout Cape Cod.

According to court documents, Ramirez was one of four defendants arrested as part of a drug ring that shipped large quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin from Boston to Cape Cod, where it was then redistributed. Ramirez and alleged co-defendant Kelvin Chalas, a/k/a Jose Solivan, supplied drugs to Alex and Kevin Fraga, brothers located on Cape Cod.

On November 7, 2017, Ramirez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and 400 grams or more of fentanyl as well as possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

On August 16, 2017, Kevin and Alex Fraga were arrested by federal investigators after large quantities of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine were seized. Approximately one week later, Chalas and Ramirez were arrested, and law enforcement seized fentanyl pills and powdered fentanyl from a drug stash house in Dorchester, Ramirez's home in Dorchester, and a safety deposit box at Santander Bank in Dorchester, where officers investigators also seized a pistol.

Ramirez's sentencing comes after months of investigation by federal and local law enforcement agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Massachusetts State Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Internal Revenue Service's Criminal Investigation.

The case against Ramirez is just one piece of a larger puzzle in the fight against narcotics trafficking in Massachusetts. As our community continues to grapple with the devastating effects of addiction, it is more important than ever that we hold accountable those who would seek to profit from the suffering of others.

Defendant: James Ramirez

Criminal Charges: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and 400 grams or more of fentanyl, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

City and State: Boston, Massachusetts

Exact Date: November 7, 2017 (plea), February 2023 (sentencing)

Sentence or Outcome: 66 months in prison, five years of supervised release, forfeiture of condominium, truck, and money judgment of $250,000

Dollar Amounts: $250,000

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/dorchester-man-sentenced-federal-narcotics-and-firearms-charges