By; Greg Saulmon, Patrick Johnson
The Republican, on April 14, 2017

HOLYOKE – Holyoke Police and the Hampden District Attorney on Friday began releasing the names and charges for the more than a dozen suspects arrested as part of a narcotics raid.

The names of 16 men and woman and the charges against them were disclosed Friday morning.

The raid resulted in the seizure of 24,000 bags of heroin, $114,000 in cash, and three high-end sports cars that police say were being used in the distribution of drugs. They also found an unlawful handgun and a bulletproof vest.

Police raided three addresses at 304 Chestnut St., 39 O’Connor Ave., and 14 Laurel St. The Laurel Street address is the home of Deputy City Treasurer Kayla Rodriguez.

Rodriguez was not among those arrested Thursday. The city announced on Friday morning she has been placed on leave pending an investigation.

Holyoke deputy treasurer placed on leave after arrest of drug suspect at her home
Holyoke deputy treasurer placed on leave after arrest of drug suspect at her home
Deputy Holyoke city treasurer Kayla Rodriguez was placed on leave on Friday, April 14, 2017 after a man arrested in a major heroin bust on Thursday was seized at her 14 Laurel St. home.

The operation was the result of an investigation into heroin trafficking in Holyoke that was conducted by the Holyoke Police narcotics bureau and detectives with the Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Hampden DA’s office.

The raids were conduced by Holyoke police, Springfield and Chicopee police, state police and officials with multiple state, local and federal agencies including the Hampden Sheriff’s Department, FBI, Drug Enforcement Agency, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Western Mass. Gang Task Force, state police gang unit, Special Tactics and Operations (STOP) unit, and Violent Fugitive Apprehension Unit, , and the federal Department of Homeland Security Investigation.

Hampden DA Anthony Gulluni said in a statement “The officers involved should be applauded for the dedication and professionalism in carrying out this complex investigation which culminated with these raids and arrest.”

He also said “We will continue to be relentless in our efforts to remove drug traffickers from our neighborhoods and prosecuting them to the fullest extent of the law.”

Holyoke Police Chief James Neiswanger said in a statement “The City of Holyoke is a safer place after the tremendous cooperative effort of our agencies to investigate and arrest numerous violent and dangerous subjects using handguns and dealing drugs in our streets. The people of Holyoke deserve safe neighborhoods and we are continuing our efforts to close down the street gangs and drug activity in Holyoke.”

The names and charges that were released Friday morning are as follows:

Kivanny Sanchez, 22, of Holyoke, trafficking in heroin in excess of 200 grams, conspiracy to violate drug laws.
Stalin Martecastillo, 28, of Holyoke, trafficking in heroin between 36 and 100 grams, possession of heroin, conspiracy to violate drug laws, and drug violation within 100 feet of a school or park.
Carmen Mattei, 42, of Holyoke, trafficking in heroin between 36 and 100 grams, possession of heroin, conspiracy to violate drug laws, and drug violation within 100 feet of a school or park.
Miguel Rosario, 30, of Holyoke, four counts of drug violation within 100 feet of a park or school, conspiracy to violate drug laws.
Noel Z. Ortiz, 32, of Holyoke, drug violation within 100 feet of a school or park, and outstanding warrants.
Jose Gonzalez, 41, of Holyoke, warrant charges.
Johnatten Perez, 34, of Springfield, warrant charges,
Julio A. Sanchez, Holyoke, 38, possession of a firearm and ammunition without a firearms identification card.
Tracy Lee Martinez, 46, of Holyoke, warrant charges, drug violation within 100 feet of a school or park.
Jose Falcon, 57, of Holyoke, warrant charges.
Emmanuel Jimenez, 30, of Chicopee, warrant charges.
Juan Correa, 20, Holyoke, warrant charges.
Adnane Diouane, 25, Holyoke, drug violation within 100 feet or school or park, warrant charges.
Edwin Matta, 50, Holyoke, trespasssing, warrant charges.
Jose Suarez, 31, Chicopee, warrant charges.
Kevin Echevarria, 31, Holyoke, warrant charges.
Each is due to be arraigned in Holyoke District Court.

The DA’s office also announced Thursday’s arrests were related to the investigation following the arrests of four people in February on drug and unlawful weapons charges.