Eight arrested in South End “problem property” raid
BOSTON, November 6, 2024 – Eight people were arrested this week as part of an investigation into a West Newton Street residence that has been the source of community complaints for years, District Attorney Kevin Hayden announced.
On Monday, members of the Boston police Area D-4 and E-5 Drug Control units along with members of the Human Trafficking Unit executed a search warrant in an apartment at 231 West Newton Street.
In the past year there have been 59 reported incidents connected to the address. In addition to the eight arrests, police seized Suboxone, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, Fentanyl, Diazepam and a small amount of cash.
The following individuals were arrested as a result of the investigation:
· SCHANWAT WILAILAK, 36, charged with possession of a Class C substance. Wilailak was ordered held on $1,000 bail and is due back in court on December 4 for a pre-trial hearing.
· MICHAEL COLLINS, 66, charged with possession of a Class C substance. Collins was held on $1,000 bail and is due back in court on December 4 for a pre-trial hearing.
· JOSEPH BRODIE, 55, outstanding larceny warrant. Brodie was ordered held on $1,000 bail and is due back in court on December 6 for a pre-trial hearing.
· RICHARD SOUZA, 37, charged with possession of a Class C substance and outstanding warrants. Souza was released on personal recognizance and is due back in court on December 4 for a pre-trial hearing.
· JONATHAN WINTERS, 44, charged with possession of a Class B substance and outstanding warrants. Winters was ordered held on $500 bail and is due back in court on December 2 for a pre-trial hearing.
· CHRISTOPHER HICKS, 35, charged with possession of Class A and C substances and possession to distribute Class B substance. Hicks failed to appear for arraignment and a warrant has been issued.
· AARON HOWELL, 41, outstanding possession of a Class A substance warrant. Howell’s outstanding warrant was removed today and he will appear at a future date in Cambridge District Court.
· DAVID AYLWARD, 27, charged with possession of Class A and B substances. Aylward was ordered held on $500 bail and is due back in court on December 6 for a pre-trial hearing.
“I stand with the residents on and around West Newton Street in thanking Boston Police for their teamwork in this investigation. We know that it takes just one problem property or a few problem individuals to degrade the quality of life in entire neighborhoods. Actions like this help communities strengthen themselves,” Hayden said.
All charged individuals are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden’s office serves the communities of Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop, Mass. The office handles over 20,000 cases a year. More than 160 attorneys in the office practice in nine district and municipal courts, Suffolk Superior Court, the Massachusetts Appeals Court, the Supreme Judicial Court, and the Boston Juvenile Courts. The office employs some 300 people and offers a wide range of services and programs to serve anyone who comes in contact with the criminal justice system. This office is committed to educating the public about the services we provide, our commitment to crime prevention, and our dedication to keeping the residents of Suffolk County safe.
James Borghesani, Chief of Communications