In the pre-dawn chill of Chelsea, law enforcement officers from various agencies conducted a coordinated drug raid on Wednesday, which led to multiple arrests. Chelsea Police and regional partners were involved in the operation that focused on two addresses, with the suspects allegedly linked to the distribution of crack cocaine.
The raids occurred simultaneously at around 6:00 a.m. targeting 100 Stockton Street, and 944 Broadway, where Anthony Burt and Julia Scalia were apprehended. Inside Burt's residence, authorities detained five individuals, and at Scalia's abode two, were held. Both locations yielded evidence indicative of drug distribution, such evidence consisted, of multiple digital scales, packaging materials, and drug paraphernalia. Efforts to eliminate narcotics were apparent at Burt’s residence, where signs of attempts to destroy the drugs were evident in the bathroom.
Additional arrests included Joshua Sullivan and Scott McDonald, both found at the Stockton Street address, who were taken into custody on active warrants. At the Broadway location, William Linscott was also detained on an outstanding warrant. The suspects face various drug possession charges, with Burt being charged with possession of a Class B drug and possession of a Class E drug under MGL Chapter 94C §34, and Scalia being charged with possession of a Class B drug.
Following the operation, evidence was secured and is set to be reviewed by the Massachusetts State Police Drug Lab for testing. The success of the raids was praised by Chelsea Police Chief Keith E. Houghton who lauded the collaborative effort between the police and regional partners, stating, "This operation reflects the coordinated effort of our department and regional partners to remove dangerous drugs and repeat offenders from our community. Our commitment to keeping Chelsea neighborhoods safe remains unwavering." These cases will proceed through the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office for further legal action.
