Ten arrested, drugs and cash seized in “problem property” raid in East Boston

BOSTON, May 9, 2024 –Ten people were arrested this week as part of a six-month-long investigation into a Maverick Landing housing development building in East Boston that has been an incessant source of drug activity and 911 calls, District Attorney Kevin Hayden announced.

In addition to the ten arrests, police during the May 7 search warrant operation—dubbed Operation Clean House—seized over 100 grams of cocaine, over 60 grams of Fentanyl, and $2,610 in cash.

“Just as a small number of individuals can drive an outsized share of crime, a single problem property can have an outsized impact on the entire community’s quality of life.  This is one of those properties, primarily due to just a few out-of-control apartments.  I thank Boston police for making a clear statement to East Boston residents that they’re aware of this problem and are committed to addressing it,” Hayden said.

The residential building at 44 Border Street has accounted for 52 documented drug-related police interactions between January 2023 through April 2024.

On Tuesday, members of Boston police Area A-7 Drug Control Unit with the assistance of D-4 and E-5 Drug Control Units executed multiple search warrants listing four individuals and three apartments, all in the 44 Border Street building.

Hayden said monitoring of the property will continue and trespassers and other violators will face arrest, arraignment and appropriate prosecution.

“This situation gets right to the heart of peacefulness in our neighborhoods and safety on our streets. The actions of the few will be responsibly addressed when they impact the wellbeing of the many,” Hayden said.

The following individuals were arrested as a result of the investigation:

·         Samuel Junta, 43, charged with trafficking Class B substance over 70 grams

·         Kerry Bell, 47, charged with trafficking Class B substance over 70 grams

·         Youssef Benelmir, 50, outstanding warrants

·         Reinaldo Diaz, 45, charged with possession Class A with intent to distribute and being a fugitive from justice

·         Edwin Pagan, 47, charged with possession Class A with intent to distribute                   

·         Christina Dionizio, 30, outstanding warrant            

·         Victoria Herrera, 30, charged with trespassing               

·         Amin Roundil, 30, charged with trespassing                  

·         Youssef Benarba, 30, outstanding warrants            

·         Edwin Ceballo-Hernandez, 36, charged with trafficking Class A substance and Class B substance

Some of those arrested were arraigned this week and received a variety of bail amounts and release conditions.  The others will be arraigned at later dates. Reinaldo Diaz, who is facing a fugitive from justice charge for a pending case in Rhode Island, was ordered held without bail.

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