Business Owner Charged in Heroin Possession
Louis L. Gersh, 52, of Medford, was charged after a lengthy multijurisdictional investigation including the Arlington, Somerville and Medford police departments, a news release Friday, July 15, said. Police have seized hundreds of stolen items from the merchant.
After Gersh was arrested July 14 on charges of possession with intent to distribute Class A (heroin) and drug violations within a school zone, Arlington police obtained and executed a search warrant on his place of business at 87 Warren St., Arlington. As a result of this search a large quantity of drugs and stolen property were recovered, the release said.
Asked what business is at 87 Warren, a police spokesman said, “Gersh Auctioneers.” In 2010, Louis L. Gersh Auctions operated at 240 Boston Ave., Medford.
Boston.com reported that Medord City Council suspected its license in April that year.
The story reports that Arlington Police Detective Bryan Gallagher told councilors that a man, who he did not identify, confessed to stealing a generator and a laptop in July and selling them to Gersh, owner of On Line Sales on Boston Avenue, for $280.
Boston.com reported further details July 15.
While executing a search warrant Thursday night and Friday at Gersh’s business, Louis L. Gersh Auctions at 87 Warren St. in Arlington, Boston.com reported police seized drugs and hundreds of stolen items that Arlington Police Captain Richard Flynn said almost filled up a U-Haul truck.
Flynn said Gersh’s business had been in Arlington for about a year and was advertised as an auctioning house that bought and sold goods online, Boston.com reported.
Chief Frederick Ryan said, “The presence of this individual’s business had adversely affected the residents living in the area. We took this matter seriously and committed the necessary resources to end Gersh’s criminal activity and to restore the quality of life in this neighborhood.”
Gersh may face additional charges as a result of these findings. As the investigation continues the Arlington Police Department will work to solve a variety of past property crimes within Arlington and other communities.
Gersh is being held without bail after his arrest in Somerville.