10 arrested in search of alleged drug ‘trap house’ in Pawtucket

PAWTUCKET, R.I. (WLNE) — Pawtucket police announced the arrest of 10 suspects and the seizure of various amounts of illegal narcotics in a Thursday operation at a residence on Main Street.

Pawtucket narcotics, detective and K-9 units executed a search warrant on the residence after an investigation into distribution of cocaine and fentanyl in the city.

The months-long investigation was initiated after numerous complaints from area businesses and residents that drug dealers were using the residence as a drug “trap house.”

Pawtucket police said that illegal activities were observed during daytime and evening surveillance of the address, including inside and outside the building.

Other complaints about the residence included reports of people urinating and defecating in public and using illegal substances openly.

During the course of the search, officers said that they seized a .38 caliber revolver, approximately 10 grams of crack cocaine, digital scales, cutting agents, packaging material and numerous used syringes.

The following suspects were arrested on various charges as result of the investigation:

Denia Maria Gonzalez, 25
Herman Mendes-Moreira, 26
Melissa Wagel, 45
Alexandre Dafonseca, 54
Jennifer Perito, 41
Michael Trombley, 34
Karliff Bowman, 39
Jose Nobre, 42
Jason Gamboa, 31
Jason Pedro, 39

The investigation is ongoing, according to Pawtucket police.