Vincente Gonzalez, Cocaine Trafficking, Massachusetts 2024

BOSTON — Five members of a violent criminal enterprise were arrested and charged today in connection with a drug trafficking conspiracy that distributed large amounts of cocaine and cocaine base (crack cocaine) throughout Western Massachusetts.

According to court documents, investigators identified Gonzalez to be the leader of a violent criminal enterprise operating in Hampden County. During the investigation, controlled purchases and intercepted communications between Gonzalez and his co-conspirators revealed that, beginning in or about July 2021, the defendant and his co-conspirators distributed large amounts of cocaine and cocaine base in Western Massachusetts.

The following individuals were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base:

Vicente Gonzalez, 41, of Springfield;
Brigham Ocasio-Rosario, 44, of Springfield;
Miguel Burgos, 45, of Holyoke;
Khristy Guzman, 37, of Holyoke; and
Willie Watkins, 42, of Springfield;

“These defendants are alleged to have inundated Western Massachusetts with cocaine and crack cocaine – fueling violence and capitalizing on the devastating opioid and drug crises,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “Today, thanks to the exceptional work by a multitude of dedicated law enforcement agencies, this violent criminal enterprise has been brought to its knees. Our investigation demonstrates the strength of collaboration among state, local, and federal law enforcement and the invaluable positive impact that work can have on safety in our communities. My office will continue to partner with law enforcement, medical experts and community organizations to reclaim our impacted neighborhoods.”

“Today’s arrests have dismantled a violent criminal enterprise headed by Vincente Gonzalez which we believe is responsible for flooding the streets of western Massachusetts with cocaine and crack cocaine while using firearms, force, and intimidation to protect their turf,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “This case is just one example of how the FBI’s Western Massachusetts Gang Task Force is working with our law enforcement partners to stop the senseless violence that is a blight on our neighborhoods, and to make them safer places to live and raise a family.”

According to the complaint, Gonzalez and his co-conspirators distributed large amounts of cocaine and cocaine base in Western Massachusetts.

The individuals arrested and charged today face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $1 million.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Maregan of Rollins’ Organized Crime and Gang Unit.

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