W. Medford Drug Suspects Finally Convicted After 6 Years

Six years after partnering with the State Police and DEA to bring down a cocaine distribution ring in West Medford, the Medford Police learned today that the eight suspects involved are now serving time behind bars after being sentenced by federal authorities several months ago.

The diligent police work of several detectives in the Medford Police Drug Control Unit, along with the State Police and DEA, led to the eventual arrest of the suspects.

“We would like to recognize Detective Sergeant David Montana, Detective Kevin Braxton, and Detective Joseph Donahue of the Medford Police Drug Control Unit for their great efforts in this investigation and the strong partnership they have with the DEA and the MA State Police,” said Lt. Paul Covino in a police statement.

Police nabbed the following suspects in 2005 and 2006 after beginning an investigation in 2001 dubbed “Operation Cobra.”  All were sentenced this year.

Marque Lyttle, a major crack cocaine supplier to West Medford, pleaded guilty in March to several counts of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and for the distribution of cocaine.  Lyttle was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release.

Carey Price served as Lyttle’s “retail outlet” for the distribution of crack cocaine, operating out of 27 Lincoln Street.  Price died of natural causes while in federal custody in 2005.

Mark Lance Jones, the owner and occupant of 27 Lincoln Street, knowingly allowed Price to stay there and distribute drugs.  He also allowed others to use drugs at the residence and sold smaller quantities of heroin.  Jones pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and one count of knowingly maintaining drug-involved premises.  He was sentenced in March to 84 months of imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release.

Edward Cefalo of West Medford was a street-level distributor of powder cocaine and crack cocaine.  He pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and one count of distribution of crack cocaine.  Cefalo was sentenced in May to 72 months in prison and 4 years of supervised release.

John Augustave of Malden was a supplier of crack cocaine to Lyttle.  Augustave was arrested in February 2006 and was held without bail pending trial.  He pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and powder.

Edu Massillon of Cambridge was a customer of Augustave who resold the cocaine in Cambridge.  He pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and powder cocaine and one count of distribution.  Massillon was sentenced to 24 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release.

Michelle Evans of Clinton sold small quantities of cocaine to her friends in West Medford.  She pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and powder cocaine.  Evans, arrested on March 29, 2005, was sentenced in February 2007 to time served and 4 years of supervised release.